Applying to a College Online

1. First, register with Indiana E-Transcript, using the link on the right.
2. Visit the college website to apply online. Feel free to hit the SAVE button and go back to the application for revisions. You can even print off the essay (if one is required) and have a teacher or counselor edit it for you. Never hit SEND or SUBMIT until you are certain that your application is perfect!
3. Request your Etranscript and ESSR through Indiana Etranscript when your application(s) is completed.
4. Always allow ten full working days for your Etranscript and ESSR to be processed. ** Submit your request before Nov. 1 for processing before Thanksgiving; before Dec. 1 for processing before Christmas Break
5. The Common Application is great, but it is complicated, too! Never rush through the Common Application, as there are many steps to completion. For example, while many universities accept the Common Application, they may also require a supplement, which is an additional form to be completed by the applicant. When you apply using the Common Application, your counselor and teacher recommendations are also completed online. Always follow up with your teachers to make sure they understand that you have made an online request for their recommendation via the Common Application! Provide your resume, just as you would for any letter of recommendation.

Letters of Recommendation

• If an application requires a letter of recommendation from a teacher, complete the Recommendation Letter Request form, that is available outside the guidance office. Attach your resume to the Recommendation Letter Request.
• Don't forget to give your teachers at least 10 working days to complete a recommendation! ** Submit your request before Nov. 1 for processing before Thanksgiving; before Dec. 1 for processing before Christmas Break
• Always 'waive your rights' to have access to a recommendation written on your behalf by a teacher or counselor. This signals to a college that you are confident and do not need to influence your recommender.

Application Tips!

• Try to keep the number of applications to no more than 3 to 5. Do your research this summer and choose the right schools for you.
• SAT/ACT scores are on your transcript. However, some schools require that scores be sent directly to their Office of Admissions (Purdue University, for example!) Don't forget: if you are retaking the SAT/ACT next fall and you have already applied to colleges in August, send your new scores directly to those colleges. Make this request through act.org (ACT) and collegeboard.com (SAT) when you register for the tests.
• Division I and Division II athletes: the NCAA requires that SAT/ACT scores be sent directly to the Eligibility Center. There is a link to the Eligibility Center on the right. The NCAA code is 9999.