Applying to College
From researching colleges to completing your applications, we have step-by-step guidance on navigating the college admissions process.
Start by Exploring Colleges
Begin the college admissions process by learning all you can about as many schools as possible.
College Fairs
Attend college fairs to speak with representatives from hundreds of colleges all in one place.
Learn about College Fairs
Campus Visits
During a college visit, you can take an official tour and get a feel for the campus and its surrondings.
Get Tips on Campus Visits
MEFA Pathway
Use our college and career planning portal MEFA Pathway to search for colleges that meet your criteria.
MEFA PathwayBuild the College List
Once you’ve gathered data on many different colleges, start to put together your own college list of the schools where you plan to apply.
Balance
You’ll want to create a college list with a range of different types of schools, and there are factors that you’ll want to keep in mind as you begin.
Selectivity
Your college list should include reach, target, and probable schools to give yourself options.
Affordability
A significant piece of the college selection process will be finding a school that works with your family’s finances. Net Price Calculators can help you seek that out.
List Size
How many schools should be on your list? Though there’s not one right answer, there are some parameters that can help guide you.
MA Admissions Standards
Massachusetts public colleges and universities have minimum standards of admission for high school coursework, GPA, and standardized test score.
Understand Admissions Timing
The colleges on your list may offer any or all of the following admission timing options, each of which has specific deadlines.
Early Action
Early Action
A non-binding process, Early Action doesn’t require you to attend a school if you’re accepted. You’ll apply in the fall and receive your decision a few months later.
Early Decision
You can only apply to one college through Early Decision, because if you’re accepted you must attend. Application deadlines are in the fall, with decisions arriving in the winter.
Regular Decision
Used by the majority of applicants, the Regular Decision process usually has a deadline in January, and decisions arrive in early spring.
Rolling Admissions
The Rolling Admissions process permits applications to be submitted over a longer period of time, sometimes with no set deadline.
Open Admissions
With Open Admissions, the school accepts all applicants who have a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or a complete homeschooled high school education approved under state law.
Direct Admissions
In Direct Admissions, students are offered acceptance to a college before they actually apply, based on criteria such as GPA and standardized test scores.
Get an Admissions Overview
View our recorded webinar to learn about current trends in admissions, building a balanced list of colleges, and the different components of the college application including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Application Components
Your college applications will include several different pieces, each of which we’ve highlighted below. Learn the details of each required component and stay organized as you pull everything together.
There are a handful of different types of college applications, so pay attention to the one used by each of the schools on your list. Note that many colleges require an application fee.
Common Application
Used by more than 1,000 colleges and universities, the Common App allows you to apply to multiple schools with one form.
Coalition Application
Not just an application but an entire platform for students in grades 9-12, the Coalition Application was created to improve the college application process. It’s used by over 170 colleges and universities.
Colleges will want an official copy of your high school transcript to review your courses and grades. Most colleges attest that this is the most important piece of your college application.
Each school on your list may require you to submit scores from a college entrance exam.
SAT
The SAT has two sections: Reading & Writing (64 minutes) and Math (70 minutes), with a 10-minute break between the sections. Most answers are multiple choice, though some math questions require a provided answer.
ACT
All answers in the ACT are multiple choice, and there are four sections: English (45 minutes), Math (60 minutes), Reading (35 minutes), and Science (35 minutes). There’s also an optional Writing section (40 minutes).
FairTest
More than 2,000 colleges across the country don’t require a standardized test score as part of the admissions process. FairTest has the full list.
Colleges will require you to provide a summary of the different ways you spend your time outside of school. Include clubs, teams, employment, family responsibilities, volunteer efforts, and hobbies. Be sure to describe:
- The amount of time per week you spend on the activity
- Any leadership roles and responsibilities
- The impact of the activity on your school and community
Most colleges will ask that you submit at least one essay as part of your application. Your essay gives the admissions office an idea of your personality and passions.
An important part of the college application process, letters of recommendation are short statements written on your behalf by teachers or counselors. They provide insight into your academic work and character, and help admissions committees learn more about you as an individual, beyond the grades and test scores
Another way that colleges learn about your personality is through the college interview. While an interview is not typically required, some colleges do offer it, and it can provide you with a great opportunity to show the admissions office what they may not see on paper.
Related Resources
College Admissions Guidance
