Getting Ready to Apply to College 2026

Students are heading back to school, and a certain group of students known as high school seniors are about to enter an incredibly busy season. Not only do they have difficult classes (AP Calc kicked my butt back in the day), but it's also time to start applying to college. So here are a few tips for seniors that they might hear repeatedly or that might be new to them. And I've got some tips for parents too. 

• Check in with your counselor. It might be the college counselor or your guidance counselor, depending on your school's staff, but someone is going to be writing you a recommendation. It can be brief and superficial, or it can be in-depth and personalized. It's in your best interest to make sure your counselor knows you. Your counselor might even offer to let you have input on the recommendation they write for you. And do everything you can to make it easier for them, like completing a brag sheet.
  
  
• Ditto regarding the teacher you asked for a recommendation. Unless none of the schools you apply to require a teacher recommendation (for example, you're only applying to public colleges in California), you'll need at least one (some colleges require two or even three). Hopefully you asked a teacher before junior year ended but if you didn't, now's the time! And if you did, now's the time to check in with that teacher. Ask what they want from you. If they are vague, you can offer to complete the Common App's brag sheet.
  
  
• Apply to a range of schools. Apply to your dream school for sure - but if it's an Ivy or other super selective school, be realistic about your chances of getting in (for every 100 kids who apply - and almost all of them will have equally competitive applications - less than 10 will be admitted). So make sure you also apply to schools that are likely to let you in (which is actually most of the colleges in the U.S.).
  
  
• The range concept also applies to affordability. Apply to USC, where the cost of attendance is over $100,000. But run their net price calculator so you know what to expect in terms of a financial aid package. And apply to other schools that you know your family can afford. (I have an upcoming post on that topic.) The key, however, is to make sure that every school that you apply to is one you'd be happy to attend if it's the only one that admits you.
  
  
• Know your deadlines. Every college has its own application deadline, and you absolutely need to get your application in on (and preferably before) that date. But the financial aid application probably has a separate deadline and you don't want to miss that one either. (Also, it's best to get the FAFSA done earlier rather than later in case you're applying to a college that doles out aid on a rolling basis.) There may be other deadlines too - for scholarship applications, audition-based majors and more. Make sure you know when things are due.
  
  
• Some of my favorite FREE resources where they've probably answered any question you might have:
  
  - Getting In: A College Coach Conversation podcast: I've been a listener for years, and the experienced college admissions professionals on this podcast offer a wealth of information on just about any college-related topic you can think of.
  
  - College Essay Guy: While CEG's greatest area of expertise is the essay, you'll find free resources related to the entire application.
  
  - uAspire: They nail down the basics of financial aid, including a helpful checklist and links.
  
  - California Student Aid Commission (CSAC): For California residents, CSAC is crucial. They have all the info on California's state aid, such as the Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship. Most of the top in-state private schools are participating institutions, so eligibility isn't limited to those attending a UC, CSU or community college.
  
  
• Tips for parents:
  
  - Let your student lead. We are not applying to college, they are. While you are a huge part of it, especially when it comes to money, it's their life. Ask them what they want from you. Something that works for many families is scheduling a weekly conversation about college applications, and avoiding the topic the rest of the week.
  
  - Speaking of money, have "the conversation" early. Now is the time to let them know what you can afford, what you are willing to pay, and how much you expect them to contribute. Don't find yourself in late April breaking your child's heart by telling them that you can't afford their first choice school. Make them aware of that possibility now, and let them know that they need a scholarship to make it affordable.
  
  - Also related to money: Prepare to file the FAFSA and, if necessary, the CSS Profile. Know what information you'll need to fill out the forms, such as which account balances you'll need to report (but you'll want to check those balances on the day that you're completing the FAFSA, not today). If you have a business that you'll need to include as an asset, make sure you know the valuation or get one now. Get your FSA ID now if you don't already have one (you'll need it to log in to complete and sign the FAFSA). Help your student get theirs because they'll need their own FSA ID. 
  
  - Make sure your student knows how proud you are of them, that you understand how stressful the application process can be, and that you're there for them. The best thing one of my kids said to me when I mentioned how scary heading off to college can be and that it's ok to struggle was But I know I have you and Dad always. That sense of security and love will get them through anything.

Do you have any college application-related questions that you want me to address?