Steps After Submitting College Applications

I hit submit–Now what? What to do after hitting submit on that college application:

With November 1st behind us, many students have submitted their first applications and now move into the waiting period when they face the unknown with a likely mix of relief, anxiety, and uncertainty. So what now?

Read on for a few key next steps after hitting submit on those college applications —

What To Do After You’ve Hit Submit:

1. Confirm your application is complete:

Importantly, the student application (Common App or otherwise) is not the only thing required for a student’s admission file to be complete.

Students are responsible for ensuring each component of the application is “confirmed” complete. Most colleges will email students with login credentials to manage their next steps through an applicant portal.

• Keep these login credentials for portals in one place and check the portal regularly for updates.
• Follow up politely and with appreciation to the school counselor or recommenders if any pieces are still needed, to let them know, and inquire if there is anything they need from you to complete those steps.
• While there is a grace period for school materials to come in, the student (not the parent!) should ensure that the application is complete.
• If you are applying with test scores, check your colleges’ policies regarding score reports and be sure to submit right away, if required.

2. Complete Financial Aid Applications & Required next steps:

If you are applying for financial aid, be sure that you submit all required materials by the priority deadline. Remember that at many colleges if you wish to be considered for merit aid, you must submit FAFSA, and at some schools, the CSS Profile as well. Check out the requirements and priority deadlines.

• Just like with admissions, look for login information to a portal, and confirm that everything required is confirmed as complete. When in doubt, politely reach out to the financial aid office with questions. The admissions office does not have answers about your financial aid application.
• Know that very often, colleges will request additional materials beyond the FAFSA application. You may need to submit copies of taxes, W2s, or additional forms to complete your financial aid file. These requests can come through in April, so continue to check!

3. Keep Grades up:

Seriously. This is very important, even for students who apply early.

• Colleges may require your Mid-Year Report in January to see that your grades are consistent with your past performance.
• Colleges may defer students in the early pool to the regular pool to have the opportunity to see how grades are progressing through the year.
• Any college you decide to enroll in will require a final High School Transcript and withhold the right to revoke your acceptance if academic performance declines significantly. This actually happens, so do not miss the mark on senior grades!

4. Complete your other applications!

This is our most important piece of advice to HS seniors. If a student applies early, they should use the time before hearing back from the early college(s) to complete all other applications.

• You may decide to wait to submit those applications until you receive your Early Decision and Early Action results, but DO NOT wait to write those essays and prepare those applications.
• In the event that the outcome is not what you hoped for, you want to be able to hit submit and be done with your applications in the regular decision round. There is nothing worse than writing supplemental essays over winter break, especially when your heart’s not in it.
• At TBU, our goal for every student is that you are fully completed with your application work before your school’s winter break. This way you and your family can enjoy the time to relax & restore. This is so important for students’ well-being!

Sign up for a FREE 20-minute phone call or online video meeting now so we can learn about your family’s college admissions needs and how we can provide support.