Lesson 1: Introduction to the College Application Process
By: Zaynah Danquah, a 24/7 Instructional Design Superstar
Prefer to listen to this lesson? Click below:
Workshop Scenario:
Please think of yourself in the following scenario as you progress through this workshop.
You are a high school senior. College application deadlines are approaching, and you have no idea where to start. You’ve reached out to the 24/7 Teach team to learn the basics of the college application process.
You are confident that, by the end of 24/7 Teach’s college application workshop, you will be able to explain the college application process to others.
Your first step is to learn the overall application process and the different parts of a college application.
Your Objective:
By the end of this lesson you should be able to explain the following:
The 7 steps of the college admission process
The 7 parts of the college application
Important Questions to Answer While Reading:
To be successful in this lesson, you must be able to answer these important questions.
What are the steps of the college admissions process?
What are the parts of a typical college application?
Which parts of the applications might have their own deadlines that differ from the application deadline?
Pre-Assessment:
Please complete a short Pre College-Readiness Assessment.
Lesson 1:
The Steps of the College Admissions Process:
The college admissions process in the United States can vary depending on the specific college or university, but there are 7 general steps that students should follow.
1. Research colleges: Students should start by researching colleges and universities that interest them. This might include looking at the schools' academic programs, extracurricular activities, and location.
2. Take the SAT or ACT: Some colleges and universities in the United States require students to take either the SAT or the ACT as part of the admissions process. These standardized tests are designed to assess a student's academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
3. Complete the application: Most colleges and universities have an online application process, and students will need to complete and submit the application by the deadline. The application will typically include biographical information, academic transcripts, test scores, and an essay.
4. Obtain recommendations: Many colleges and universities require students to provide letters of recommendation from teachers or other educators. These letters should speak to the student's academic abilities and potential.
5. Consider financial aid: Many students will need to apply for financial aid in order to afford college. This may involve completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other financial aid applications.
6. Wait for a decision: After submitting all of the required materials, students will typically have to wait for a decision from the college or university. This can take several weeks or even months.
7. Enroll: If a student is accepted to a college or university, they will need to enroll by paying a deposit and completing other enrollment requirements.
What are the parts of a college application?
Most college admission applications will include the following 7 components:
1. Personal information: This may include the student's name, address, phone number, email, and other contact information.
2. Educational history: The application will typically ask for the student's high school transcripts, as well as transcripts from any other colleges or universities they have attended.
3. Test scores: Some colleges and universities require students to submit scores from standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. The SAT and ACT have scheduled test dates that are separate from the college application deadline.
4. Essay: Many colleges and universities require applicants to write an essay as part of the application process. The essay is an opportunity for the student to share more about themselves and their goals, and to explain why they are interested in attending that specific college or university.
5. Letters of recommendation: Some colleges and universities may ask for letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other educators. These letters should speak to the student's academic abilities and potential.
6. Extracurricular activities: The application may ask for information about the student's extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, and other community involvement.
7. Financial aid: If the student is seeking financial aid, they may need to complete additional forms as part of the application process. Scholarships and financial aid applications have their own deadlines.
Closing Assessment:
Now that you have reached the end of this lesson, you should know the following:
The 7 steps of the college admission process
The 7 parts of the college application
Discussion Questions:
Show your knowledge and connect with the 24/7 Teach community by sharing/posting your discussion question responses in the comment section below.
What would going to college mean for your future? What would change?
or try a prompt below!
