@PseudoGod
Can’t help you much on the SAT prep area or how to apply for financial aid, but I could help with starting the application.
Not all universities take part in CommonApp - notable exceptions include MIT and the University of California system. If you do not find a university on it, then most likely, you will have to apply through the individual website of the university.
CommonApp is useful because you don’t have to keep filling in new details (personal details, ECs, awards etc) every time you start a new application.
First, register on CommonApp. Fill in your details - your profile, your test scores, activities etc. You may also have to write the CommonApp essay - a lot of universities require it. You can find the essay prompts on the website. You’ll have to pick one topic and write an essay on it.
After this, you can add universities which you wish to apply to, You will have to fill in some extra details for each school. For some universities, you will need to write some more essays.
Recommendations are also done through CommonApp - since most schools need recommendations, you will need to invite your high school counsellor and teachers by email, They will then register on CommonApp through a link they get in their email and fill out your recommendation form. (It can also be done by snail mail I think - but I’m not sure about that whole process). The counsellor will also submit your high school grades along with your transcript. Perhaps she could explain your low 11th grade marks. Try to get recommendations from at least 2 teachers - 1 will probably not be enough.
Like I said, as for the universities not on the CommonApp, you’ll probably have to apply online through the university website. There, it’s pretty much the same process again - filling in details, writing essays (the topics will be there in the application).
You will also have to write TOEFL or IELTS if you haven’t already. Some schools may waive it’s TOEFL requirement due to your high SAT CRW score. Still, it’s better to be safe - write it as soon as you can.
You’ll have to send your test scores to each university.
There’s something called Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED). In EA you apply earlier than usual if you can complete the application by then. It’s quite advantageous because you probably will have a bigger chance of getting in. in ED, you apply early and if you get in, you will have to attend that university after withdrawing your applications to other universities (except in the case where financial aid is not enough - not sure about this, double check it). In your case, would highly recommend using ED for universities you really want to get into because it shows interest and thereby increases your chances significantly.
I’m not quite sure about when the applications start - I believe most deadlines for EA/ED end between October to November 1. It depends on the university.
CS is one of the most competitive majors.It’s hard to get into a top tier university and it becomes really hard if your intended major is CS. I would urge you to apply to a lot of safeties.
