b'Step 6:Begin the Application ProcessRead pages 12-13 and 31-34 of theGuide. Use the Track Your College Applications activity on page 38 to track your progress.Get a head start on your college applications. Preparing a strong application takes time, hard work, andattention to detail. Generally, there are five options for college admissions. The option you select will impactwhen your application is due, when you find out if you are selected, and your ability to choose a college . based on how much financial aid it offers. Learn more on page 31 of theGuideUnderstand your college Become familiar with the applicationadmissions options process for each of your preferred schoolsRegular Decision will allow you to apply to as manyBefore applying to college, learn more about The schools as you like and to compare aid packages.Common Application and The Common Black CollegeRegular Decision Deadlines: Typically November Application by visiting www.commonapp.org and to February www.commonblackcollegeapp.com. These sites Rolling Admissions applications are evaluated enable you to apply to multiple colleges using the on a first-come, first-served basis until the school same application form, resume, and essay. Thefills its first-year class. This option also allows you 2025-2026 Common App will be available in August.to apply to as many schools as you like and toIf you plan to apply to Community College of Philadel-compare financial aid packages. Rolling Admissionphia, explore the online application at www.ccp.edu.Deadlines: Varies If you plan to apply to a Pennsylvania state university, Early Action allows you to apply earlier toandvisit www.passhe.edu to review applications for all hear back sooner fromthe colleges you are moststate universities.interested in. Early Action is non-binding, meaning If you plan to apply to a Pennsylvania state-related it does not commit you to attend the school, but university, visit the schools website for applications:it does tell the school that you are interested. EarlyPenn State University: https://admissions.psu.edu/ Action Deadlines: Typically early to mid-November apply, also available via The Common Application.Restrictive Early Action is also non-binding; Temple University: https://admissions.temple.edu/ however, if you apply restrictive early action, youapply, also available via The Common Application. are not allowed to apply to any other schools duringUniversity of Pittsburgh: https://oafa.pitt.edu/apply, early rounds of application. Restrictive Early Actionalso available via The Common Application.deadlines: Typically early to mid-NovemberEarly Decision is binding, which means you promiseCreate your resumto attend this college if admitted. If you apply EarlyA resum is a one-page document that outlines your Decision, you should make sure that this college education, skills, and achievements. You can useis the right financial fit. Early Decision Deadlines:this as a component of your college application.Typically early to mid-November See pages 12-13 in the Guide for instructionson preparing, writing, and formatting your resum.'