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College Application Process

The following tips should help make the process go smoothly 

 
Remember, this is your main impression to the college/university. The following tips should help make the process go smoothly:
 
  • Put together an organized list of your school and community activities. 
     
  • Know what each college requires such as essay, graded writing assignment, recommendation(s), SAT/ACT scores directly from the testing organization, etc.
     
  • Ask individuals if they would be willing to write recommendations for you. You should give them at least a one-month notice! (See Letters of Recommendation section).
     
  • READ all the instructions.
     
  • When completing a paper application, make sure to PRINT neatly in INK. 
     
  • Read the sections below for specific directions for various applications.
     

SUNY Schools

  • Complete application online at www.suny.edu or www.commonapp.org
     
  • Some SUNY schools will require a supplement. Make sure to see what supplemental materials are required when completing the application (the Common Application and SUNY Application have that information within their application).


Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) and Herkimer College

  • Do NOT use the SUNY application for these schools! They both have FREE applications available on their websites. 
     
  • Make sure that you inform the Counseling Office, so your counselor can submit your transcript. 
     
  • Normally you do not need recommendations for either college.

     

The Common Application

  • Common applications are available at www.commonapp.org.
     
  • You will only need to complete one Common Application. A listing of schools that use the Common Application can be found on the Common App website.
     
  • Make sure you know if any of the schools require a supplemental form. The supplemental requirements can be found within the Common Application for each college.
     
  • Be sure to keep your counselor informed about your plans. There is a counselor form that must be completed for every Common App School.

     

College Specific Applications

  • If you are applying to a college/university that is not part of the SUNY system or does not use the Common Application, you will need to complete the college's application. 
     
  • For most schools, you will find an application online at their website.
     
  • Make sure to inform your counselor if you apply online. We can't send your transcript unless we know that you have applied to that school.