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Saint Joseph Regional High School

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College Application Process

 

College Application Process

Applying to college is an exciting and multi-step process! At SJR, we’re here to guide you as you manage the four essential components of your application package:

The Four Parts of Your Application

  1. Your Application:
    Complete through Common App, Coalition, or individual college websites.

  2. School Forms:

    • Transcript
    • Secondary School Report
    • School Profile
    • Counselor Recommendation

    These will be sent by your counselor.

  3. Teacher Recommendations:

    • Two letters submitted electronically by your teachers.

  4. Test Scores:

    • SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Test scores must be sent by YOU directly through testing platforms.

You are responsible for ensuring all four parts are submitted before each college’s deadline.

Naviance/eDocs for Submissions

SJR uses Naviance/eDocs to submit official school forms and teacher recommendations electronically to over 1,500 colleges. Colleges accept applications in three ways:

  • Common Application: Apply via CommonApp.org.
  • eDocs: Apply directly through college websites.
  • Mail Only: Submit materials by post.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Create a Common Application Account

  1. Visit CommonApp.org:
    • Create an account and write down your username and password.
  2. Add Colleges to “My Colleges” List:
    • Go to the “College Search” tab, find your colleges, and click “Add.”
  3. Complete the Education Section:
    • Go to the “Common App” tab and fill out the Education section.
  4. Sign the FERPA Release Authorization:
    • Under the “My Colleges” tab, select “Recommenders and FERPA.”
    • Complete and sign the FERPA release.

This step is essential to link your Common App account with Naviance.

Step 2: Link Naviance and Common App

  1. Log in to Naviance:
    • Navigate to “Colleges” > “Colleges I’m Applying To.”
  2. Link Accounts:
    • Enter the email address associated with your Common App account.
  3. Add Colleges:
    • Ensure colleges are listed in both Common App’s “My Colleges” and Naviance’s “Colleges I’m Applying To.”

Step 3: Counselor Recommendations

  1. Complete the following forms at least 10 days before your first deadline:
    • Student Profile (via Google Classroom).
    • Parent Brag Sheet (via Naviance).
  2. Submit these forms to ensure your counselor can craft an effective recommendation.

Step 4: Submit Transcript Requests

  1. Transcript Request Form:
    • Available on the SJR Guidance webpage or in the Guidance Office.
    • Submit at least 10 days before your first deadline.
  2. Identify Submission Methods:
    • Indicate whether schools accept materials online, by mail, or both.

Important Notes:

  • Mid-Year Reports: Some colleges require mid-year grades—request these from Guidance.
  • Final Transcripts: Automatically sent to the college you choose to attend after completing the senior survey.
  • Self-Reporting Schools:
    • Rutgers and others (e.g., UCal, UFlorida, UPitt) require students to self-report transcript data through their applications.

Step 5: Teacher Recommendations

  1. Ask In Person:
    • Check your college’s recommendation requirements and ask no more than two teachers.
  2. Submit Requests in Naviance:
    • Go to “Colleges” > “Apply to College” > “Letters of Recommendation.”
    • Select a teacher and specify which colleges should receive the letter.

For “Mail Only” schools, provide teachers with addressed, stamped envelopes.

Important Deadlines

  • October: Senior College Guidance Night at 7:00 PM.
  • October: Early Decision/Early Action applications due in Guidance.
  • October: Financial Aid Night at 7:00 PM.
  • December: Transcript Request Deadline for January 1 applications.
  • May: Advanced Placement Tests at SJR.

Tips for Success

  • Track Your Progress: Keep usernames, passwords, and deadlines organized.
  • Meet Deadlines: Submit all materials at least 10 days before your first application deadline.
  • Stay Organized: Use Naviance to manage your applications and submissions.

For questions or assistance, contact the Guidance Office. Let’s make this application process a smooth and successful journey!