College Explore & Apply
College: Explore & Apply
What are your plans for after high school? Are you thinking about attending (or continuing to attend) Community College, Trade School, or 4-year University? It is never too early to start exploring your options and making some plans (even if that plan changes!).
This page is simply a GLIMPSE of what the college application process looks like! Visit our EVENTS page for Workshops where we will be presenting information on all of these steps/topics.
Have questions? Ask your Summit Advisor!!
Helpful Documents to Get You Started
Freshman Checklist
Freshman Checklist (Spanish)
Sophomore Checklist
Sophomore Checklist (Spanish)
Junior Checklist
Junior Checklist (Spanish)
Senior Checklist
Senior Checklist (Senior
College Tips for Parents/Guardians
College Tips for Parents/Guardians (Spanish)
Finding the Right College
Finding the Right College (Spanish)
Search, Prepare & Apply
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What do you want to study and where do you want to do it? Search schools and programs to find the right one for you!
- Check out this Finding the Right College For You (English/Spanish) resource to get started!
- Visit BigFuture
- Attend a College Fair (in-person or virtually)
- Tour/Visit Colleges/Universities of interest (in-person or virtually)
Other College Resources
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Some college/universities and scholarships require scores for their applications. Many schools have waived this requirement, however it is up to the student to do the research to determine if testing is needed. Students can take the SAT and ACT as many times as desired and can often submit a "super-score," combining the highest scores in each area from multiple tests.
- PSAT: Sophomores & Juniors | SAT: Any grade, though recommended for Juniors & Seniors
- Research PSAT/SAT & Register!
- Visit Summit's PSAT/SAT page
- Check out the CollegeBoard website
- Research PSAT/SAT & Register!
- ACT: Any grade, though recommended for Juniors & Seniors
- Research ACT & Register!
- PSAT: Sophomores & Juniors | SAT: Any grade, though recommended for Juniors & Seniors
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College applications are usually due during the Fall Term of your Senior Year (ideally, students should submit their applications before Thanksgiving Break, unless the school they are applying to has an earlier deadline).
- Determine how your College/Program accepts applications:
- Directly through the school/universities website
- Common Application (NOTE: Make sure to add your Advisor to your application as your Counselor, otherwise they will not be able to send your transcript!). Check out this document for helpful tips and required information!
- Request your Summit Transcript (contact your Advisor)
- Request your Letters of Recommendation, if needed (NOTE: Please allow at least 2-weeks for processing - contact your Advisor for more information)
- Write you College Admissions Essay(s) (if applicable), making sure that you are fully answering the prompt and presenting YOUR full story! Need help getting started? Check out these resources:
- EARLY COLLEGE STUDENTS: Request you Community College Transcript (directly from your Community College)
- Determine how your College/Program accepts applications:
Learn More About Paying for College & Apply for Financial Aid
Planning how to pay for college can be overwhelming! It is never too early to start thinking about financial aid - you may even be able to apply for some scholarships before your Senior Year! Visit our page for to get started!