Capital High School

When do I apply for college?

Applications for four-year colleges are usually available starting in October of your senior year. Deadlines can be as early as October 15 or November 1.  Applications for two-year community and technical schools are also online and can be filed as early as December of your senior year. The earlier the application, the better chance to get into specific programs and classes.

 

College Preparation Presentation

Video for students and families that have questions about applying to a 4 year college/university.

 

 

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Important Websites to Explore

The Common Application (informally known as the Common App) is an undergraduate college admission application that students may use to apply to any of more than 700 member colleges and universities.

With Western Undergraduate Exchange (informally known as the WUE), out-of-state students pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition at participating schools, compared with nonresident rates that can exceed 300% of in-state rates. Eligible students must be from a WICHE member state. 

 

Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP)

Olympia School District had partnered with several Washington state universities and colleges to provide guaranteed admission to seniors who qualify. To learn more, clickHERE

 

Early Action, Early Decision, Early Decision II, and Regular Admission

• EARLY ACTION: An early action process whereby a student can submit an application by November 1 (or other designated date) and receive a decision by mid-December. The Early Action student, if accepted, is not bound to enroll. Students are not required to notify the college of their enrollment decision until May 1 and they can apply to other colleges early action or early decision.

• EARLY DECISION : An early application process that carries a binding commitment to enroll, if accepted, to the college. Student and parent must sign that if admitted, the student will attend the college/university regardless of financial aid award. Colleges will share early decision lists, so all other applications must be withdrawn. Students not admitted under Early Decision are reconsidered with the regular decision candidates. Students and parents will not be informed of financial aid prior to admission. A small number of colleges have a second round of early decision called early decision II. This deadline is usually around January 15th with notification one month later.

• REGULAR DECISION: The most common application process in this country. Students usually apply to colleges between January 1st and the 15th, are notified of the decision by April 1st, and then must let the college know whether they will matriculate by May 1st.

   

Tools to help you with your college admission process

• College Knowledge 
• 12th Year Campaign - A Guide for Navigating College Admissions & Financial Aid
• Three Steps to a Great College Essay
• Essay Writing Dos and Don'ts
• Glossary of terms and acronyms for college and financial aid
• A High Schooler's Guide to the College Application Process

 

Research & Compare Colleges

• https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
• https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
• https://www.collegeboard.org/
• http://www.princetonreview.com/
• https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/majors-careers
• http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/

 

Community and Technical College Resources

• https://www.sbctc.edu/

 

Virtual Tours

• https://www.youvisit.com/collegesearch/
• www.campustours.com

 

College Admissions Deadlines and Transfer Information

• College/University Deadlines
• Community Colleges Admissions and Financial Aid Deadlines