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Make a list of the schools you are interested in. While many accept the Common Application form, others require you to submit their own specific application. Requirements can be found on the websites of the schools you’re interested in, and you can call the Admissions Office for further information.

The Common App can be found here.

If you’re a high school student, the summer before your senior year is the best time to start the process. Most students do the majority of their college application work in the fall of their senior year.

Adult learners can start anytime, but it is best to give yourself as much time as you need while juggling other responsibilities like work or caregiving.

Keep in mind: Some schools, particularly community colleges, have open enrollment all year long.

Either way, the earlier you apply, the better. Don’t delay!

If you’re applying for a fall semester, most schools start accepting applications in August of the year prior. The deadlines will vary depending on the school, but most are between November and February. This means, if you’re planning to attend college in Fall 2025, you’re likely applying in Fall/Winter 2024. Timelines will change by school for different semesters and degree types.

Here’s a handy checklist:

• High School Transcript - If you are applying to a college before graduating from high school, colleges will require that you submit two high school transcripts—one when you apply and another final transcript after earning your high school diploma. If you can’t order them from your high school’s website, request them from your guidance counselor.
• College Admissions Test – Some colleges and universities may require your test scores from either the SAT or ACT.
• Recommendation Letter – Many schools require a letter from someone prominent in your life. Good candidates might include a school principal or teacher, an employer, a community leader, or a member of the clergy.
• Essay – Some schools will ask you to submit an essay, generally outlining your personal perspectives and values, as well as your hopes for the future. Keep it sincere and straightforward!
• Resume – List the jobs you have held, as well as any community service you’ have completed, the organizations to which you have belonged, and your extracurricular and athletic activities, as applicable to you.

Taking the SAT or ACT may be a requirement for incoming students. Please check the admission requirements for your selected institutions.

Early action and early decision allow you to apply to college earlier than regular decision, which is a standard final deadline. Early applicants receive admission decisions sooner, usually starting in mid-December. You can typically apply to multiple schools under an early action plan. Early decision, however, is a binding agreement between you and one college.

Rolling admission decisions aren't binding like early action decisions. You'll have up until the school's deadline to decide whether you will attend. Rolling admissions schools often have long admission windows, meaning you could still apply after other schools' regular decision deadlines have passed. These colleges review applications as they come in, potentially providing a faster decision and less competition early in the process.

The average college application fee is $50. Fee waivers are typically need-based, depending on household income. If any of the following applies to an applicant, that is a good indicator they may be eligible for a fee waiver:

• An applicant has been enrolled in a free or reduced-cost lunch program.
• An applicant has received public assistance or another low-income program from the local, state, or federal government.
• An applicant has been approved for a waiver for the Common App, from College Board, or for the SAT/ACT.
• An applicant is unhoused or is an orphan/in foster care.

Some colleges and universities offer direct fee waivers through their Admissions Office. Call them to inquire.

There is no limit on the number of colleges you can apply to. You can choose to apply to just one or 20+ as desired. It is probably best to do thorough research and choose a handful of schools that provide the programs, environment, and activities that appeal to you the most.

A college credit is a unit that measures learning at accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. For the average three-credit course, you can expect to spend around three hours in the classroom and about six hours studying or doing homework each week.

Over the course of your studies, you’ll likely need to complete a minimum of 60 credits to earn an associate degree or 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree, but requirements may vary by institution.

An associate degree is typically a two-year program, while a bachelor’s is four, although time spent can often be accelerated with extra coursework. At twice the length of an associate program, a bachelor’s program will generally delve deeper into the topic of study. Students in New Jersey can earn their associate degree at a two-year community college and then transfer their course credits to a four-year school to earn their bachelor’s. With the support of the state’s Community College Opportunity Grant and Garden State Guarantee financial aid programs (which together comprise the New Jersey College Promise), this pathway may provide a more affordable approach to earning the degree for your chosen field.

Few things are more exciting than receiving a letter of acceptance from the college you wish to attend. Read and follow the instructions provided in that letter. It should explain how to officially accept their offer, how to enroll in classes, and what you need to do if you’ve decided to live in on-campus housing.

If you have any questions, contact the school’s Admissions Office. They are always ready to help.