Application and Admissions

Understanding the different types of admissions processes is important, each type of admissions process has different advantages and disadvantages. It will be helpful for you to know the difference between each type of admissions process and which best meets your needs. Do you need more flexibility or do you need an answer early in your senior year?

• Early Decision: Applications are binding, which means that an applicant who is accepted as an Early Decision is contractually obligated to attend that college and must withdraw all other university applications.
• Single-Choice/Restricted Early Action: Admissions plans are binding and more restrictive. Students may not to apply to any other colleges while in this process.
• Early Action: Applications are not binding. Applicants receive early admission notifications, but do not have to commit to the college until May 1.
• Regular Decision: The vast majority of applications will have one regular decision deadline that occurs in January/February. These deadlines may also be called “Priority Deadlines” if admitted students usually have until May 1 to commit.
• Rolling Decision: Typically admissions applications are accepted year-round and until incoming class spots have been filled.

Schools may have their own unique application, but many 4-year colleges throughout the country use the Common App. The Common Application offers one universal application and one common set of essays for its member colleges. This saves you time by not requiring you to fill out your personal contact information, educational history, etc. every time you apply to a new school. There are 14 Oregon colleges and universities that use the Common App.

Learn more about The Common Application.

Other Types of College Applications:

• Coalition Application: The Coalition Application is a platform where 150+ colleges and universities express their commitment to provide lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students support.
• Common Black College Application: The Common Black College Application is accepted by 60 historically Black colleges and universities throughout the country.
• Institution Specific Application: Many colleges require specific college admissions applications from their institution. Applications will be found on the college/university admissions website.
• Oregon Degree Partnership Admissions Program Applications: These programs may also be called Dual Enrollment or Co-Admission programs. Public universities in Oregon have partnerships with community colleges where students can choose to be enrolled in both colleges. Students are required to apply to both colleges and/or complete a separate application to be dual enrolled. Search “Dual Enrollment” on the website of the university/college you would like to attend for specifics about each school’s process

Helpful Resources: 

• Document- The College Board's Application Checklist: This document is a helpful tool to keep track college application requirements.

College admission requirements are often different than high school graduation requirements, so it is important to assess the college's admission requirements to make sure you qualify. One main difference between high school graduation requirements and college admission requirements is that 4-year colleges/universities require 2 years of foreign language. Explore the school's website and keep track of requirements like specific course requirements, GPA, test scores, essays, and application deadlines.

Types of Admission

• Regular Decision: Students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time.
• Rolling Admission: Institutions review applications as they are submitted and give admission decisions as they receive applications.
• Early Action: Students apply early (usually November) and receive a decision well in advance of the institution's regular response date. This is non-binding.
• Early Decision: Students make a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted they definitely will enroll. The application deadline and decision deadline occur early. This is binding. If accepted, the student must withdraw all other applications.
• Limited Entry: A term that describes programs that often require an additional application and accept a limited number of applicants.
• Open Admission: Some colleges offer admission to all students who apply. Such colleges usually have extensive programs designed to provide remedial or developmental help to students who enroll with academic deficiencies.

Helpful Resources: 

• Website- Classes To Prepare for College: This guide developed by Oregon Goes to College provides useful information about classes that can help you prepare for your college application. 
• Document- Student Success Tips: This handout walk you through common suggestions for improving your college application.

It's important to review a school's admissions requirements before applying. Don't rush your application, take your time and submit all required documents. Typically the application includes the following components. 

College Applications Include the Following:

• Application: Usually found on the school's website. Make sure you complete all sections completely and thoroughly.
• Official High School Transcripts: Request from your high school registrar. Send these with your admissions application and a final transcript at the end of senior year.
• Official SAT or ACT Scores: These can be sent by logging into your www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org accounts and sending the scores the the institution.
• Letters of Recommendation: Some schools require letters of recommendation for admission. Ask recommenders early to write you a letter. Give them at least two weeks. Politely follow-up with the recommender as the deadline approaches. Write your recommenders a thank you note and keep them updated on your plans.
• Essays: Make sure you answer the question completely, and that you are within the word limit. Let your voice shine through, and be yourself. Get feedback on your essay from peers, teachers, and parents. 
• Application Fee: An application fee is required for most colleges. Many colleges accept fee waivers or deferments. 

Helpful Resources

• Form- Letter of Recommendation Form: Use this form to help your recommenders write a compelling letter on your behalf.
• Document- Tips for Writing Application Essays: This short checklist provides useful suggestions on how to write application essays.
• Document- Student Portfolio Builder: Use this form to help you build a student portfolio or resume.
• Website- College Board's Guide to Application Essays: This website provides 7 tips for writing application essays.
• Website- NACAC Application Fee Waiver: In certain circumstances you can request an Application Fee Waiver from the NACAC.
• Website- College Board Application Fee Waiver: If you received a fee waiver for the SAT, you will receive four college application fee waivers in your College Board Account.