My College Survival Kit

  • The college application process can seem daunting.  Therefore, we would like to provide an abundance of resources, both in document and electronic form, to assist you.   

    GETTING STARTED: If you're just getting started, there are several things you should consider in preparation for putting YOUR BEST SELF forward, we provide you with our "10 BEST STEPS" for doing so.   

    STEPS to APPLY: Once you are ready to apply, we want to provide you with our "10 MUST DO STEPS" to get you in the door, along with providing you with the resources needed to make your "REACH SCHOOL POSSIBLE!"  

    You are about to embark on an exciting new season in your life, and we are here to help you!

    10 BEST STEPS for Getting Started

    1. Consider your SAT/ACT score compared to the 50% mark of your chosen school's "freshman profile" and schedule a retake, if needed, in early fall.
    2. Narrow your college search to 3 - 5 in-state schools or a few more if you're headed out of Florida.
    3. Keep your grades up!  Any extra time you have can be used to make this the finest academic year you have ever had.
    4. Review your eligibility for the Bright Futures Scholarship and take necessary steps to ensure the award.
    5. Volunteer and/or work at something outside school for which you have a passion.  Don't have one?  Find one!
    6. Begin creating your resume of accomplishments, awards, and stand-out information.
    7. Ensure that your senior schedule is as "Academic" as you can manage while continuing to excel.
    8. Continue your involvement in clubs, sports, activities, youth groups, etc.
    9. Know which colleges require an essay or personal statement, visit college websites to review the topics, and start your rough drafts.
    10. Remember, that your GPA, course rigor, SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular involvement, & leadership potential ALL CONTRIBUTE to a school's acceptance offer.

    10 MUST DO STEPS for Application

    1. Refine your College List of preferable schools
    2. If recommendation letters are required, identify which teachers you are going to ask and ask them.
    3. Visit your TOP SCHOOLS' admissions pages to know which application the college accepts, i.e. Institution, Common Application, Coalition, etc.
    4. Create an account & record your User I.D. and Password for the application platform you will use.
    5. Complete the online application and check and double-check for completeness and accuracy!  Reread, Reread, Reread!!!!!
    6. Press "Submit."
    7. Request your official tests scores, i.e. SAT, ACT, AICE, etc. from each respective testing organization.
    8. Request an official transcript IF IT IS NEEDED!  See Transcript tab for clarification.
    9. Complete your S.S.A.R. and link your S.S.A.R. to your application IF the S.S.A.R. is requested.
    10. CHECK YOUR EMAIL DAILY FOR NOTICES FROM THE SCHOOLS TO WHICH YOU'VE APPLIED.

    How to Apply to College - The Basic Guide

    If you're "ACCEPTED," CELEBRATE!!!  HOORAY! 

    1. Read and respond promptly via email and school portal.
    2. Send in your tuition deposit.
    3. Accept your financial aid offer.
    4. Choose housing.
    5. Select a meal plan if you'll be living on campus.
    6. Request your FINAL TRANSCRIPT during your senior year-end process and checkout.
    7. Check computer requirements, i.e. internet connectivity, browsers, operating programs, etc.
    8. Plan your packing list.
    9. Contact your new roommate.
    10. Get a physical before you begin classes.
    11. Attend any required orientations.
    12. Request and send any AP scores.
    13. Find out if you need to take any placement exams.
    14. Thank your supporters.
    15. HAVE an AWESOME FUTURE!!!

College & More

  • Applications (Common App & Coalition)

  • Bright Futures

  • College Visits & Virtual Tours

  • Financial Aid

  • Letter of Recommendation

  • Military Interest

  • My College Survival Kit

  • SAT/ACT

  • Scholarships

  • SSAR

  • State Colleges

  • Transcript Request Form