Use this quick start guide for general instructions, resources, and tips that will help you complete your application.
Navigating and Saving
- Use the blue links on the left side of your application to navigate among the different pages of the application. You do not need to complete the application in order, and you will be able to revisit a page as many times as needed until you submit your application.
- To save an application page, either click the "Continue" button at the bottom of the page or click any of the blue links on the left to navigate to a different page.
- If you remain on any application page for more than one hour without saving (via either of the methods listed above), you will be automatically logged out and will lose your work on that page. Make sure to save frequently.
What You'll Need
- Information on your academics, activities, household, and financial background
- Writing section
- Two teacher recommendations from core academic subjects
- Current high school transcript and additional transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
- School Report from your current high school counselor
- School Profile (optional, but recommended)
- Any standardized test score reports to-date (if taken).
Where to Start
- Find a time to complete the Income and Assets page with your parent(s)/legal guardian(s) (if applicable).
- Visit the Activities page and start thinking about how you want to share your most meaningful involvement outside of the classroom.
- Ask two teachers if they would be willing to serve as a recommender and add their information on the Recommendations page.
- Upload an unofficial copy of your transcript and add your school counselor on the Academic page. Your counselor can also upload a copy of your transcript and School Profile through the School Report.
- Review the prompt(s) in the Writing section and begin brainstorming how to highlight your unique story.
General Resources
Additional Tips
- Important: Always write, edit, and save your writing responses, including short answers and essays, in a document outside of the application (such as in Microsoft Word), to avoid losing your work. When you copy and paste your responses into the text boxes, ensure that you have copied each response correctly and that it is not cut off at the end.
- Check your Review and Submit page frequently to identify any errors or missing information in your application. Do not wait until the last minute before the deadline to visit this page.
- Use the Application Proof to review your entire application. You will find the link at the bottom of both your Manage and Review and Submit pages, once available.