FHS Application Steps clone

Check each college website for application requirements and deadlines.

Use the Fairview College Application Checklist to keep track of all requirements and deadlines. If necessary, customize the spreadsheet template to fit your needs. Use the checklist as you follow the remaining application steps.

• Learn more about different Application Types.
• Learn more about  Application Deadlines.

If you are considering applying Early Decision (ED) to any college,  please consult your parents or guardians. This choice is binding and  involves financial commitment.

Registration for college applications involves:

• Establish an account with each college either through the Common Application or directly through a college's own system.
• Sign the FERPA Waiver so that Fairview can release Official Transcripts, Counselor and Teacher Recommendation Letters to your colleges. Learn more about FERPA and why you should waive it.
• Update Naviance account with all colleges you are applying to. This allows your transcripts and letters to be sent electronically.

For registration instructions, view Common App, FERPA, and Syncing to Naviance Instructions. Counselors walk seniors through this step early in the fall semester.

Tip:  Record all new account logins in your Checklist as you create accounts.

Complete each application using either the common app, state based app or college specific app.  See Application Instructions for Fairview Students for more information.

If essays or short answers are required, draft and finalize your document in Word or Google Docs before uploading into the college's online application form. 

Learn more about College Essays.

Submit a Transcript Request Form to the Counseling Office. See Official Transcripts for instructions. Forms are found in the counseling office.

NOTE: A few colleges require only your Final Transcript after graduation, including all University of California schools, all California State schools, and the University of Washington.

DEADLINE: At least ONE MONTH before earliest application due date.

If any colleges on your list require Counselor or Teacher Recommendation Letters, you and your parent or guardian must complete questionnaires so that your Counselor or Teacher can write a meaningful letter about you. Learn more about  how to request Recommendation Letters.

DEADLINE: At least ONE MONTH before earliest application due date.

To send your test scores and to learn more about standardized tests see Test Information.

WARNING: Electronic does NOT equal immediate! Score delivery can take more than two weeks.

Most colleges do not require interviews, but if given the opportunity, take advantage of the chance to learn more about the college. Read College Interviews to help you prepare.

Work with your parents or guardians to submit financial aid and scholarship applications. These are typically due in October for Early Admissions, or March-April for Regular Admissions. Learn more about Paying for College. 

If your college requires an Official Transcript of your courses and grades from fall semester senior year, view Mid-Year Transcripts for instructions.

DEADLINE: At least ONE MONTH before due date, which is typically mid-February.

To learn more about acceptance types (deferred, wait listed, etc.) and for guidance in making your decision, read Final College Choice.

As part of your acceptance a college will typically require a deposit.

Return to Naviance and update the status for each college with your acceptance result. In this step, you will request to send your Final Transcript to the college of your choice.