• Applying to College

    Ready to take the next step? This guide simplifies the college application journey, helping you navigate application procedures, essays, and everything in between with confidence. 

  • STEP 1: Application

    Choose your application method

    College website

    • Every college will have directions regarding how to apply to their school.  
    • Follow those directions closely to submit your application.

    The Common Application (Common App)

    • This is a streamlined online platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single application.
    • Click here for a list of colleges and universities that use the Common App for admission applications.
    • Review this application guide for first-year students. 
    • Here is the list of Common App essay prompts.
    • Check out this toolkit for first-year college applicants.  There are comprehensive resources to help you complete your application successfully and on-time. 
    • This YouTube video from the College Essay Guy provides a thorough walkthrough for students filling out the Common App. 

    Scoir

    • Anoka-Hennepin students can apply to several colleges and universities directly through their Scoir accounts. 
    • This online guide provides step-by-step directions to help students who want to apply through Scoir. 

     

  • STEP 2: Documents

    Send the appropriate documents required to complete your application. Each college will have different requirements. 

    Scoir

    • For all applications, it is important to update the My Colleges section to reflect the colleges where you plan to apply or have already applied.
    • When you move a college or university to your Applying or Applied list, this tells your high school that they need to send all the required official school documents to the colleges and universities on that list. 
    • Your counselor can send your documents to your colleges for you in Scoir. This cannot be done on the student end. 
    • If you using the Common App to apply to college, review this guide to ensure a seamless integration. 

    Transcripts

    • Transcripts are sent using Scoir. Follow the directions found here.

    Application Fee

    • Pay your application fee if required. 
    • Not all colleges have an application fee.  October is College Knowledge month and many Minnesota colleges waive application fees during this month.

    Test Scores

    • Send your ACT score if required or desired. 
    • Many colleges are test optional, but a great ACT score can provide many advantages and benefits. 

    Letters of Recommendation

    • Letters of recommendation may be required, may be optional, or may not be needed for college applications. 
    • Follow these directions to request a letter of recommendation. 
    • If you are applying through the Common App, you should still request the letter of recommendation through Scoir.  If the recommender is outside your home high school, you may invite them in the Common App and include all the information. 
    • If you are not using the Common App and would like to send a recommendation from someone outside your high school, please contact the college to which you are applying for directions on how to submit the letter.

    College Essay

    • Some applications require you to submit an essay.
    • Use the resources on this page to help improve your essay. 

  • STEP 3: Decision

    Wait to hear from the college.

    • Checking your email is vital to making sure you do not miss anything during the application process.
    • Some colleges have you check the application portal.
    • Breathe.  This is an exciting time!  You are taking the next steps toward your future.