College Application 101
Hunter is hosting Utah College Application Week (UCAW) October 5-9th. During this time, seniors will be pulled out of their English classes to apply for college for free!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply to College (Google Document)
- Always check each college’s website for specific requirements
- Fee waivers are available for CommonApp, Coalition, and many colleges (all Utah applications are FREE)
- Start early—especially competitive schools
Common Application Sites
CommonApp
- Accepted by many selective colleges and universities, including some Ivy League schools
-QuestBridge National College Match
- Designed for high-achieving, low-income students applying to highly selective colleges (including schools like MIT, Stanford, Yale, etc.)
- Offers the opportunity to earn a full four-year scholarship through the National College Match
- Application opens late summer/early fall (earlier than most other applications)
- Extensive application (more detailed than CommonApp, includes multiple essays and financial information)
- If not matched, students can still apply to partner schools through QuestBridge Regular Decision or convert to CommonApp/Coalition
Which Application Should I Use?
-Applying to colleges in Utah?
- Apply directly to schools. Find your school’s application site (Google Document).
-Applying to a mix of colleges across the U.S.?
- Use CommonApp (most widely accepted and easiest for multiple schools)
-Applying to selective/private colleges (including some Ivy League schools)?
- Use CommonApp or Coalition Application (Tip: Most students should just stick with CommonApp unless a school specifically prefers Coalition)
-High-achieving student with significant financial need?
- Apply through QuestBridge FIRST (early fall)
- Then use CommonApp/Coalition as a backup if not matched
Send Transcripts Through Parchment
-Students can send official transcripts through Parchment.
- Getting lost? See step-by-step Parchment instructions (PDF).
-All high school seniors in Granite School District can request transcripts free-of-charge now through May of their graduation year. Be sure to use your Granite email so the charge is removed.
I’ve Applied…What’s Next?
- With the online portion of your application complete, there are a few more steps you need to finish. Read about steps following college application (PDF).
- Students may request letters of recommendation (PDF) from teachers, counselors, and other adult mentors.
