Learn what you need to do to apply for college.
Be prepared before you apply
Finalize the list of colleges you plans to apply to and write down application deadlines. These can vary by college and by individual program.
Some colleges offer the opportunity to apply early. Other colleges don’t have a firm deadline (also known as rolling admissions). This means you can apply at any point before a term starts.
If you are transferring colleges, there may be a different deadline than for first-year students.
What you need to apply to college
Visit college websites to find out what you will need to complete your applications. Gather this information ahead of time.
One way to make it easier? Whenever you can, use the Common Application. It is accepted by over 900 colleges nationally, including several in Oregon.
All college applications will ask for basic information including your full legal name, address, birthdate, and citizenship status. If you are a U.S. Citizen or have a Social Security number, you will be required to provide it. Memorize your Social Security number or keep it in a secure and accessible location.
You will need to provide a high school transcript that lists the classes you've taken and your grades. Your high school can send a transcript directly to the college; talk to your counselor or a teacher about how you can request an official transcript.
If you have taken dual credit or direct enrollment classes you may also need to submit transcripts from the college(s). Whenever possible, have colleges send transcripts electronically directly to the colleges you plan to apply to.
Colleges prefer that you apply online. Keep track of your log in and password information for college applications in a secure and accessible location such as our It’s A Plan app. Use the same e-mail for all applications.
This is a list of extracurricular activities that you've done as part of school, in your community, for your family, or as a job. Quality is better than quantity! List the activities that have been the most meaningful, the most amount of time and/or where you've had a leadership role.
Many 4-year colleges and universities require or recommend submitting ACT and/or SAT scores. Some colleges allow you to self-report your scores on the application; others require that the testing companies send the scores directly to them.
Some colleges require one or more examples of your writing. Write your essay before you sit down to apply and be sure to follow directions and proofread before submitting.
Some colleges want to hear from people who know you well like a teacher, counselor, or coach. Be thoughtful about who you ask. Give them plenty of time to write the letters of recommendation, and provide your résumé or activities chart and any instructions from the application.
Public colleges ask questions about residency, or whether you live in the state, to determine if you qualify for in-state tuition. In Oregon, undocumented students may be eligible for in-state tuition and must complete additional paperwork.
You may need to pay a fee when you submit your application. If you cannot afford the fee, many colleges accept a deferral or waiver. You will need to complete a form for each school you apply to and have it signed by your high school counselor or other school official.
Schedule time to apply
Set aside dedicated time to apply to college. Take advantage of any time and help that your school provides.
College applications can be confusing. You can ask a counselor or teacher at your high school or an admissions representative or enrollment manager at the college you’re applying to.
Follow up after you apply
Send your high school transcript, SAT or ACT test scores, letters of recommendation and other supplemental materials to colleges. Check your e-mail regularly – this will be the main way colleges contact you!
Colleges may let you know whether you have been accepted at different times. Some colleges might let you know right away; others may wait until the spring even if you apply in the fall.
Complete financial aid applications
If you’ve already submitted your FAFSA or ORSAA, make sure to add all of the schools you have applied to. Your college may have an additional financial aid or scholarship application as well.
If you are applying to an Oregon community college you should also submit the Oregon Promise grant application if you are eligible.