College Applications FAQ

What happens if I don’t apply through Common App to a Common App school?

We strongly encourage you to use Common App for ALL Common App schools. If you apply another way (i.e. directly on their website or mailing in a paper application), we may have to mail out your packet, which means it will take the college longer to receive it. If you do decide to apply another way, YOU MUST ALERT YOUR COUNSELOR THAT YOU DID NOT SEND YOUR APPLICATION THROUGH COMMON APP. Failure to do so may result in a delay in your application.

 

I have not taken all of my SAT/ACT tests before the application deadline. Should I still submit my application?

Yes! Submit your application even if your SAT scores are not yet available. Indicate on the application the date you are planning to take it. The college will know to wait for your test scores to be submitted. Remember to let the testing service know where you want them to send your scores. We do not release any test scores at STA.

 

What happens if I never took the SAT or ACT?

Many students have not had the opportunity to take an SAT or ACT due to test cancelations. At this time, most colleges are test optional. While we recommend taking a test, most colleges are not requiring it at this time.

 

Do I submit my application before I request my transcript be sent?

Yes! Make sure you hit that ‘submit’ button and get your confirmation that you applied BEFORE you request that Counseling send your transcript. We cannot send your application materials unless your application has been submitted.  

 

Do my letters need to be in before I request my transcript be sent?

Your letters of recommendation do not need to be uploaded or handed into Counseling before you request your transcript be sent. Your Counselor will make sure that all letters are in your application materials before being submitted.

 

Can I send my teacher a recommendation request through CommonApp?

We do NOT advise that you send a request through CommonApp. CommonApp is linked with Naviance, therefore all requests MUST go through Naviance. If you send it through CommonApp we cannot guarantee that your teacher will see the request.

 

Do I see my letters of recommendation?

We highly recommend that you waive your right on your applications to see your letters. This will ensure that the college knows that your letters are being written honestly. However, your teacher may opt to give you a copy.

Should I submit a copy of my resume with my application?

The information on your resume will most likely be included in your application somewhere else. If this is the case, there is no need to hand in a resume as well.

 

Do I need to hand in the college’s forms?

If the college requests that you print out a page to include in your packet, and that page includes the same information that is sent on your transcript/school report, you do not need to include it. These include teacher recommendation forms, counselor forms, school forms, etc. If you are unsure, just print it out and hand it in to your counselor. Your counselor will know if it needs to be included.

 

Will my class rank be reported to the colleges I apply to? 

STA does not rank our students.

 

Is there any place to indicate that I am taking the maximum number of AP courses that a student can take at the school? What if there is a scheduling conflict?

As part of every application packet, a school report is sent which indicates how many AP courses are offered. Your transcript will indicate how many you have taken. If there is a scheduling conflict, and you would like the colleges to know that, your counselor can indicate that on your letter of recommendation. However, you must alert your counselor that you would like this included.

 

Once I request a transcript in Naviance to be sent to a school, how long will it take to send my transcript?

This may take up to 2 school weeks. Sometimes emergencies come up which may delay the process. It is therefore imperative that you request your transcript at least two full school weeks before the deadline. There is still some processing to be completed on our end. Certain times of the year are much busier than others, and your counselor may have up to 20 or more applications to send for the same deadline. If there is a problem with your application, your counselor will notify you. This rule applies to scholarships as well as college applications.

 

For self-reporting schools:

Do you need to know if I am applying to Rutgers or any other “self-reporting” school?

No, we only need to know if you are accepted AND are going so we can send your final transcripts.

 

Rutgers is asking for my GPA for each year. Where do I find that information?

We do not calculate your GPA on a yearly basis. Your GPA is calculated on a cumulative basis. You can find your cumulative GPA on your transcript.

 

On the Rutgers application, where do I enter all of my grades?

First you complete part 1 of the application. Then you will receive an email which tells you where to go to self report your grades.

 

How do I know how many credits each of my classes are worth?

You can find the credits for each class on your transcript.

 

*****REMEMBER TO WRITE DOWN AND KEEP YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORDS FOR NAVIANCE, COMMON APP, SAT/ACT, ETC. IN A SAFE PLACE!! YOU WILL NEED THEM ALL YEAR!!*****

In order to ensure that your college receives a complete transcript package on time, please adhere to the following deadlines:
College Application Deadline	STA Transcript Deadline
Nov. 1	Oct. 15
Nov. 15	Oct. 29
*Dec. 1	Nov. 12
Dec. 15	Nov. 30
*Jan. 1	Dec. 4
*Jan. 15	Dec. 15
Feb 1.	Jan. 14
*Due to holiday and possible school closings, be aware of these dates