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Applying to College

Applying to College

This page contains a general step by step process for applying to most 4 year colleges and universities.  If you are planning to attend a 2 year college like SSC, simply visit that school's website to apply. 

Step #1:  Research Colleges (Junior Year)

We recommend starting to research potential colleges and universities during your Junior year.  It can be helpful in your search process to know what major you'd like to pursue in college as this can determine your college options.  These websites are great resources to Explore Colleges and College Majors as well as get tips on how to navigate the College Application Process.

Step #2:  Taking the SAT and ACT (Sophomore - Fall Senior Year)

Most colleges require students to submit SAT and/or ACT scores along with their application.  Deciding when to take these tests is extremely important and can be very individual student specific.  In general, most students will begin taking these tests during their Junior year.  Lyman pays for and offers students 1 SAT and 1 ACT in Spring term of Junior year, and 1 SAT during October of Senior year. 

Test Early and Often!  While waiting for Spring to take your first SAT and ACT may be fine for some students, others may want to consider starting to take the test earlier.  There are many good reasons students may want to consider this.

  1. Math Acceleration:  With students these days starting Algebra in Middle School it makes sense for these students to take the SAT and ACT sooner rather than later.  This is because most of the math covered on the SAT and ACT is covered in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2.  Therefore we recommend students start to take these tests immediately after completing Algebra 2.  This way the information is fresh in their minds. 
  2. No Penalty for Multiple Attempts:  These days colleges do not penalize students in the admissions process for how many times they take these tests, so there should be no fear of starting this process early.
  3. Superscore:  Superscoring is the term used for when colleges take your highest score from each section across multiple attempts of the SAT or ACT.  For example, if your first attempt at the SAT yields a 600 EBRW and a 500 Math and your second attempt yields a 500 EBRW and 600 Math, your superscore would be a total 1200 SAT score.  Although not all colleges superscore, many do and the number continues to grow. 
  4. Practice Makes Perfect:  Although there are excellent practice tests available out there, nothing replaces the experience of taking the actual test.  Students can and should learn from each experience and use that experience to study and prepare for their next attempt.  Starting to take these tests early in the process gives students more time to study, prepare, and hopefully to maximize their scores.  View SAT and ACT Preparation Resources.
  5. College Application Deadlines:  It seems like colleges continue to move their application deadlines earlier and earlier in the fall.  With not very many SATs and ACTs offered in the summer months, this means less time for students to take these tests and get the scores they desire prior to applying to colleges.  For most colleges, the Senior October SAT is really the last score colleges will consider if they have an application date of Oct. 15 or Nov. 1.  

Students can sign up for a testing location on Saturday's throughout the Fall and Spring by visiting the Collegeboard.org and ACT.org website.  If a student is in need of financial assistance to help pay the cost of the Saturday SAT or ACT, visit the Lyman SAT/ACT website for information on testing Fee Waivers.

**Key Tip: Most of the Universities in Florida Superscore and so does Bright Futures!!

Test Optional:  What is it and is it right for me?  Some colleges have adopted test optional admission policies.  This means they do not require SAT or ACT scores as part of their admission process.  All Universities in the FL State University System DO require test scores as part of state law.  However, some private colleges in FL have test optional policies.  Check with each school to see which option is available and best for you.  

**Key Tip: Some colleges may be test optional for admissions, but when it comes to getting financial aid or scholarships from these colleges, they require test scores.  Make sure you check with each college so you are not caught off guard by this.  Also Bright Futures requires test scores to qualify!!

Step #3:  Visit Colleges (Junior Year - Fall Senior Year)

Now that you have built a list of possible colleges, a great way to see if those colleges are a good fit is to visit their campus.  Spring of Junior year and especially summer are great times to go on college visits.  Contact the admissions office of each college to schedule an official tour.  Submit a request to have an absence due to a college visit pre-excused by Lyman Admin.

Many colleges and universities visit Lyman HS each Fall and hold information sessions.  We encourage students to visit our College Visit site frequently to see what colleges will be on campus and to sign up for the info session.

Step #4:  Essays, Resumes, & Supporting Documents (Summer)

Although the Common App and most college's institutional applications do not open until August 1st each year, students can get a jump on the application process by writing essays and preparing resume's in the summer prior to Senior year.  Most colleges as well as the Common App post essay prompts in the summer before their applications are open.

Step #5:  Apply (August - October Senior Year)

There are different options to consider when it comes to completing your admissions application.  Most colleges have their own application on their website, which is called an "Institutional Application".  This is great if you are only applying to 2 or 3 schools.  If you are applying to more, and want to simplify the process, you may want to consider using the Common App.  The Common App allows you to complete one profile, write one essay etc, and submit your application to multiple schools.  FYI...The University of Florida only accepts the Common App, so if you are planning to apply to UF, you might as well use the Common App to apply to your other college choices.  Here is an introductory video on "How To Complete the Common App".  We have also created a more detailed presentation on how to complete each step of the Common App. 

**Key Tip: Make sure you click on each school you add to Common App and complete the extra application questions or requirements and KNOW YOUR DEADLINES!!!!  Use this "College Application Planning Tool" to help you keep track of deadlines and requirements for the colleges you are applying to.

Step #6:  Recommendations

Some colleges ask that you get either teacher and/or counselor recommendations.  If you are using the Common App. there is a section where you can "Add Recommenders".  You'll need to add the person's name and email address.  They will receive an email with a link to complete your recommendation directly on the Common App.  If your college requires a counselor recommendation, please complete the Lyman Counselor Recommendation Questionnaire.

**Key Tip:  Most of the FL State Universities do not require and will not read teacher or counselor recommendations.

Step #7:  Transcripts & Academic Records 

In order to evaluate you for admissions, every college will require either a transcript or some report of your academic coursework.  However, colleges do this in their own way!  It is important to follow each college's direction on how to provide this information.  For example, the Common App will ask your counselor to upload a transcript.  If a college accepts, this then you are good.  BUT....for many schools this is not sufficient, as you MUST complete a self reported academic history using one of the following. 

  • SSAR (Self-Reported Student Academic Report) - Students using the Common Application, who are applying to schools that require the SSAR will need to submit their SSAR in order for their application to be complete. Schools currently using the SSAR include (UF, FSU, FAU, UNF, FGCU, FL Poly, and New College).  View a video on how to enter your courses on the SSAR.
  • UCF SPARK - this is the UCF specific self reported transcript tool.
  • If your college requires a good old fashioned official transcript OR if you just need an unofficial transcript so you can complete the SSAR or SPARK, please submit a request HERE.

Step #8:  SAT & ACT Score Results

The last step in the process is to submit your SAT and ACT scores to the colleges you are applying to.  Most colleges want these sent directly from either the CollegeBoard and/or ACT.  You can send these by logging into your CollegeBoard and ACT accounts and selecting Send Scores.

**Key Tip:  Some colleges such as FSU are moving to self reported test scores.  For FSU once you submit your application you will receive a login to their Admissions Portal.  Once you login to the portal, you will be able to add your SAT and ACT scores.