<p>How to prepare for the admissions process By EducationQuest Foundation</p><p>College application deadlines typically fall in December or January, so start preparing in early fall of your senior year. Contact your top colleges and ask about their admission requirements and deadlines along with deadlines to apply for financial aid and college- based scholarships.</p><p>Most colleges require these items with your admission application:</p><p> Your high school transcript with class rank (sent through your high school registrar/guidance office)  ACT and/or SAT scores (when you take the exams, have the scores sent to all colleges you’re interested in attending)  List of extracurricular activities  Application fee (may be waived if you qualify for free or reduced price lunch)  Some colleges also require an essay and/or letters of recommendation. For a complete list, see the College Application Checklist at EducationQuest.org.</p><p>Stay Organized Mark all deadlines on your calendar and create a folder for each school to store correspondence and brochures, notes from campus visits, and other college-related information. </p><p>Get Help You don’t have to tackle the college admissions process alone!  Ask your parents or guardian to help you keep track of deadlines, gather required records, and visit campuses. You’ll also need your parents’ help with financial planning and with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Discuss your future goals with your school counselor or teachers and ask them to help you identify colleges and degree programs that match your goals.  Keep in touch with admissions representatives at the colleges you’re interested in attending. They will make sure you understand important deadlines and application requirements.  Ask if your high school is conducting an Apply2College event during which you’ll get help with your college applications.  Contact EducationQuest Foundation for free help with the admissions and financial aid processes. Omaha: 888-357-6300; Lincoln: 800-303-3745; Kearney: 800-666-3721; and Scottsbluff: 800-303-3745, ext. 6654. You’ll also find free tools at EducationQuest.org.</p><p>Related EducationQuest Blog article you are welcome to use: What not to do when applying for college. </p><p>Updated 7/17</p>