Applying for College: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of applying for college is many things—exciting, exhausting, confusing, nerve-wracking—but it’s important to remember to breathe, trust that God has good plans to guide you, and take it one step at a time. To ease and clarify the process, here is a step-by-step instruction guide on how to get the most out of your college application experience.

1. Choose Your Schools

Exploring your college options can be fun! It’s exciting to imagine yourself at various schools. To embark on your search, start by creating a list of things that appeal to you. Are you interested in a Christian campus community? Do you want a large or small school? Close to home or far away? It’s okay to be undecided! If you’re at a total loss even after googling “colleges near me,” ask your high school counselor, a mentor, or your youth pastor about colleges they would recommend for you.

Once you’ve got a list of a few schools, spend some time on those colleges’ websites. Find their list of offered majors, explore their athletics and fine arts (or whatever is important to you), and make a note of anything that’s interesting or concerning to you.

2. Apply Early

Some students believe completing a college application is the same as committing to a school. This is not the case! Applying for a college merely puts you on that school’s radar, letting their admissions team know that you could be interested in attending. Most colleges and universities open their applications the summer before your senior year of high school. For example, Northwestern’s Fall 2025 application opened in July, 2024.

Applying early for schools can give you an advantage. We recommend applying to any and every school that piques your interest as soon as possible. The sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll be in contact with an admissions counselor who can provide you with next steps, scholarship opportunities, and visit events. Many colleges, including Northwestern, will waive the application fee for students who apply early.

3. Start Your Application

There are a few ways to start your application. Most college websites feature a link to apply, typically near the top right corner of the homepage. However, if you’re interested in saving time while applying to several schools, you can fill out a Common App application. A tool that allows you to use a single application to apply to multiple different schools.

An application will require you to enter contact information. It’s important to use an email and phone number that will be reachable, as the college will send you information via email. Avoid using a school email, as you’ll need to communicate throughout the summer, and most high schools delete student email accounts shortly after graduation.

Admissions counselors at Northwestern often personally call students to inform them of next steps. If you are hoping to participate in college athletics, a coach might call you. If possible, make sure to have a voice mailbox set up, and check it regularly. It’s also wise, if you have a personalized voicemail, to be aware of who might hear it. A prank voicemail (one where you pretend to answer or use a funny voice) gets old quickly, and it makes you appear childish. Be wary of your language in your voicemail (any swear words are immature and may give the wrong impression.)

4. Submit the Required Materials

TRANSCRIPTS: Before your application can be reviewed, you’ll need to submit a high school transcript. At Northwestern, we accept transcripts in sealed envelopes or emailed directly from the school to our admissions team ([email protected]). For homeschooled students who have a parent as a teacher, the transcript needs to be mailed or emailed from the parent. We also accept transcripts through programs like Clearinghouse, Parchment, and Scoir—for further clarity, talk to your high school counselor/career coach. If you have any AP classes or college credits, send those in, too!

ESSAY/FAITH STATEMENT: Some applications will require a personal essay of some sort. While Northwestern’s application doesn’t require a personal essay, as a Christian school, we do require a personal faith statement detailing (in at least one hundred words) how you’ve seen Christ working in your life.

Depending on the application’s essay requirements, you may want to adjust your writing style or topic focus. It’s always important, however, to write well. Most colleges aren’t asking you to sound like a textbook, but you should watch your punctuation, spelling, and capitalizations. Ask a friend or teacher to proofread your work. Do your best to create a true and positive impression. Especially at smaller schools like Northwestern, your admissions counselor is genuinely interested in getting to know you. We take a holistic approach, recognizing that each student who applies is more than just a transcript, but a real person, created by God, with unique interests, strengths, and personality.

TEST SCORES: Different colleges and universities have different requirements for admission. Some schools require you to submit standardized test scores (like the ACT or SAT), while others make it optional. Northwestern does not take test scores into account when admitting students; a low score can’t hurt your admission chances, but submitting your scores can sometimes lead to better scholarships!

ACTIVITIES: Typically, college applications will include a section for you to list your extracurricular activities and community involvement. Take some time to reflect on how you’ve spent your time, and make sure to mention any leadership positions and volunteer opportunities as well!

5. Submit Your Application and Watch Your Email

After your application and transcript have been submitted, keep an eye on your email and voice messages. A college admissions counselor will reach out to let you know the admissions decision. If you’re admitted, most schools will still send an official letter in the mail (sometimes along with some goodies!). Some schools will collect applications and review all of them on a certain date. Northwestern, however, has rolling admission, meaning you’ll typically find out about the status of your application within a few weeks of submitting it.

The waiting can be tough, but trust that God has good things in store for you. Celebrate when you are admitted! If you are denied admittance, it’s okay to be disappointed. Some schools will allow you to apply again later, depending on the reason for denial. Thankfully, even closed doors provide direction.

6. Make Your Decision

Shoot to make your college decision by the end of April. Once you’re admitted, take advantage of campus visits and events, and keep in touch with your admissions counselor who will provide next steps toward enrollment. Typically, when you’ve made a decision, you’ll pay an enrollment deposit, which signals that you are serious about attending. You won’t be able to apply for housing or register for classes until after submitting the deposit.

Senior year can be such a busy time, full of memories, so try not to let applications become a burden. Have fun as you explore your options, and remember that wherever you go, God will be with you. He has amazing plans for you!