Apply for College
Step One
Student checks the colleges’ websites for on-line applications or downloadable application forms or writes for applications during summer or first month of senior year.
a) Allow at least one month to receive materials requested by mail
b) Use the colleges’ literature or websites.
c) Applications are sometimes available from college representatives when they visit the high school
Step Two
Student checks at end of September to be sure teacher recommendations have been turned in directly to the Guidance Counselor and are on file. (If student applies to a college requiring a teacher recommendation in a specific discipline, student is responsible for having this recommendation on file and notifying the Guidance Counselor of such.)
Step Three
Student must have signed parental release form on file with Guidance Counselor in order for transcript packets to be sent.
Step Four
Completed admissions applications are to be mailed by the student directly to the college. (Students are encouraged to apply by the end of November in most cases.) Student should consult the Guidance Counselor regarding the handling of scholarship applications.
a) Student reviews application to be sure it is completed
b) Student SIGNS the application
c) Student attaches fee check or money order (NO CASH)
d) Student attaches to application a document stating that transcript documents are being mailed separately by the Guidance Counselor; be sure to sign and date the document.
e) Student includes any other papers required by the college, as well as any personal essay and activities list
f) Student is responsible to have test scores sent directly from testing agency ONLY to schools which require test scores to be sent directly from testing agency.
Step Five
Student sets up appointment to see Guidance Counselor in person & submits separate completed transcript packet request form(s) with address and deadline for each designated college(s). In most cases, Guidance Counselor will send to college:
a) Official transcript, SAT I and ACT test scores
b) Tennessee Christian Preparatory School profile
c) Senior schedule
d) Guidance Counselor letter of recommendation.
e) Teacher recommendation forms (if on file with Guidance Counselor)
Application Notes to Remember
1. To be OFFICIAL, transcripts must be mailed directly from the Guidance Counselors’ Office.
2. Student should allow himself and others sufficient time to meet DEADLINES for applications, financial aid, and/or scholarships.
3. Guidance Counselors must be notified of transcript packet request and scholarship applications at least TWO (2) WEEKS prior to the application deadline. This ensures sufficient time for processing.
4. Student should be REALISTIC in his applications.
a) Submit applications to more than one college (3)
b) Apply to at least one college where student is fairly certain of being accepted
c) Consult with your Guidance Counselor about these matters
5. Send written and typed LIST OF ACTIVITIES / AWARDS / ACCOMPLISHMENTS with application.
6. VISIT the colleges of interest.
7. Request a maximum of three teachers write RECOMMENDATIONS – give recommendation forms to those teachers by May 17.
8. CONSULT WITH YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR ABOUT ALL OF THIS to ensure proper procedures is followed.
9. CEEB number – Request Tennessee Christian Preparatory School’s CEEB number from the Principal. You are to use it on the SAT I/II, ACT, and college applications to indicate that you are a Tennessee Christian Preparatory School student.
Keep in Mind
1. The student sends the application, personal statement, list of activities/awards, test scores, and application fees to the college directly HIMSELF/HERSELF.
2. The Guidance Counselor sends student’s transcript, senior schedule, secondary school report, Tennessee Christian Preparatory School’s school profile, and letters of recommendation directly to the colleges to which student is applying ($2 fee).
3. Applications for financial aid and/or scholarships given by particular colleges very often require a separate form to be filled out and sent to the college.
4. If you plan to apply for need-based financial aid, your parents will be required to fill out and send in certain application forms (FAFSA). FAFSA can be applied for via the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
5. All transcript requests should be given to your Guidance Counselor at least 2 weeks (plus 3 days allowance for mail travel time) in advance of the college’s deadline. Requests for colleges with a January 1 deadline should be made by December l. Requests for colleges with a January 15 deadline should be made by December l.
6. COLLEGE DEADLINES ARE ABSOLUTE. DO NOT MISS THEM
