Application Process

Steps to a Successful College Application Process at LHS

Step #1:               Be Aware of Deadlines

• Click here for our chart of Transcript Release Form deadlines

Step #2:               Get Organized

• Click here for a handy chart to keep track of deadlines, passwords, requirements
• Use your smartphone to set deadline alerts

Step #3:               Understand Application Options

• Click here for Admission Option Definitions

Step #4:               Refine Your College List

Step #5:               Know the Application Process

You are responsible for:

• The Application and Fee
• Essay (if required)
• Asking for Teacher/Counselor Recommendation(s) (if required)
• Sending ACT and/or SAT scores to colleges
• Completing LHS Transcript Release Form for each college you apply to

LHS is responsible for:

• Sending your transcript, recommendation letters, and Common App forms (if needed) to colleges

Step #6:               NAVIANCE

Username:         firstname.lastname                       

Password:          LHS ID #

• Update Email Address
• Update List of “Colleges I’m Thinking About”
• Check Out Colleges Visiting LHS – GET PASS ONE DAY AHEAD
• If you need a Teacher Recommendation Letter:
  • Politely Ask Teacher, and say THANK YOU
  • If you have already asked, gently remind them
  • After they have agreed to write letter, add their name to Naviance under “Colleges I’m Applying To”
  • Complete Teacher Recommendation Form on Naviance
• If you need a Counselor Recommendation Letter:
  • Complete Counselor Recommendation Form on Naviance
  • Meet with counselor
• Track Application Status under “Colleges I’m Applying To”
• If using the Common Application:
  • Create your account at www.commonapp.org
  • On Naviance, complete the “Important Privacy Notice” under “Colleges I’m Applying To” (we encourage you to say “Yes, I waive my right to access…”)
  • On Naviance, enter your Common App username and password.  Make sure it is correct!
  • Start Your Scholarship Search
• Use Naviance to research local/regional scholarships
• Use websites like www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com to research national scholarships
• Check with colleges to see what scholarships they offer

Step #7:               Work on Your College Essay

• Help available in the CRC-Tuesdays and Thursdays during 8th period or make an appointment!
• Help available in The Write Place

Step #8:               Attend CRC Programs

• November 7-----Creating Your College List: For Juniors and Parents, 7:00 pm in the LHS Auditorium
• November 13-----Financial Aid and Scholarships Program, 7:00 p.m. in LHS Studio Theatre

Step #9:               Attend College Fairs

• October 25-----CHOICES College Fair for Students with Disabilities, New Trier H.S.
• November 17-----New Horizons Tech Fair at LHS

Step #10:             Visit College Campuses

Other Important Notes:

                                November 1 Priority Deadline

                                                University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

                                                Indiana University

                                                University of Wisconsin – Madison

                                November 15 Priority Deadline

                                                Illinois State University

                                                Purdue University

                                November 30 Deadline

                                                University of California System

• Pay attention to the Fine Print!
• Make sure your email address and voicemail message are appropriate.
• Be careful what you post on facebook!
• Avoid Senioritis.
• Check email often.
• Do NOT wait until the last minute to complete application.
• Talk with your counselor often.  Visit the CRC.
• Utilize Naviance.
• Breathe.