Applying to College

Applying to college is a big process, but you don't have to navigate it alone. This section walks students and families through every stage — from researching schools to submitting your final application — with guidance, deadlines, and resources along the way.

Getting started? Start with the College Prep Timeline below to see what you should be doing right now, based on your grade level.

Building Your College List — Finding schools that fit academically, socially, and financially

A well-built list is balanced, not just ambitious:

Reach schools — admission isn't guaranteed even with an outstanding application; for the most selective schools, this is true of nearly every applicant
Target schools — your academic profile sits well within the typical admitted range
Safety schools — you're very likely to be admitted, and genuinely would be glad to attend, not just a school you're using to pad the list

Beyond admission odds, weigh the academic environment (large lecture courses versus small seminars), advising and research resources, campus culture, and outcomes for graduates in your areas of interest. At many schools, demonstrated interest — campus visits, opening emails, attending information sessions — is tracked and factored into admissions decisions, so treat that outreach as part of your strategy, not an afterthought. Visiting, in person or virtually, often tells you more in an afternoon than weeks of website research.

Letters of Recommendation — Who to ask, how to ask, and what to give your recommenders

Ask teachers who know you well, ideally from different core academic subjects, ordinarily from junior or senior year
Ask in person if you can, and give at least a month's notice before your first deadline — many competitive applicants ask at the end of junior year, even though letters aren't submitted until fall
Provide a detailed "brag sheet" — not just a list of activities, but a few specific moments or projects from their class that stood out to you. Specific detail is what lets a recommender write a vivid, individual letter instead of a generic one
Understand the full picture. Most competitive schools expect two teacher recommendations plus one from your counselor — your counselor's letter draws on input from you and often from multiple teachers, so keep them informed as your list and plans develop
Follow up with a thank-you once your recommender submits the letter, and let them know where you land in the spring

Adding Recommenders in the Common App

Complete the FERPA waiver first, in the Recommenders section of the Common App. You'll be asked whether you waive your right to view the letters — waiving is strongly recommended, since admissions offices and recommenders generally give more weight to a waived letter
Invite each recommender from that same section by entering their name, email, and role (counselor, teacher, or other). Common App emails them a link to create their own account and submit the letter directly
Assign recommenders to each college individually under "My Colleges," since requirements differ by school — some accept "Other" recommenders such as coaches or employers, and some cap the total number of letters they'll consider
Track status under "Recommenders and FERPA," which shows Requested, In Progress, or Submitted for each person you've invited
Common App's screens are updated periodically, so if a step doesn't match exactly what a student sees, your counselor's current walkthrough is the more reliable guide

Application Types Explained — Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and Rolling Admission

Early Decision (ED) — Binding. If accepted, you commit to attending and withdraw all other applications. Apply ED only where a school is genuinely your clear first choice, since it limits your ability to compare offers
Early Decision II (ED II) — A second binding round, typically due in January, for students who settle on a first-choice school after the initial ED deadline has passed
Early Action (EA) — Non-binding. You apply and hear back early, but remain free to compare offers before deciding
Restrictive/Single-Choice Early Action (REA/SCEA) — Non-binding, but restricts you from applying early to other private schools simultaneously; used by a small number of highly selective schools
Regular Decision (RD) — The standard timeline and deadline most applicants use
Rolling Admission — Applications are reviewed as they arrive, so applying earlier in the cycle can be an advantage

Need Help? Your grade level college counselor is your best resource throughout this process.

7th Grade College Counselor

Mrs. Ashlee Francis Faculty - Dean of Students & Faculty

8th Grade College Counselor

Ms. Liz Rubin Faculty - Middle School

9th Grade College Counselor

Mrs. Heather Hogan Faculty - Science Teacher - Dramatic Arts Coordinator

10th Grade College Counselor

Ms. Chandler McDevitt Faculty - Middle School

11th Grade College Counselor

Ms. Courtney Gilmore Business Manager - Athletic Director

12th Grade College Counselor

Dr. Ashli Walker Administrator - Head of School