Request Your Transcript 
Your high school transcript is a compilation of all of 
your courses and grades. Be sure to request that your 
transcript is sent to every school to which you are 
applying. Check your portal at each of these schools 
to make sure it was received. Some colleges will ask 
to see your first semester senior year grades as part 
of their decision process. Sending your transcripts 
can be arranged with your school counselor.
Ask for Letters of Recommendation 
Most colleges require letters of recommendation 
from your school counselor and at least one teacher. 
Your school counselor will write about your overall 
performance and achievement in high school, and 
your teacher will talk about the type of student you  
are in the classroom. Many colleges will allow you to 
submit additional recommendations from individuals 
who know you from the community, such as a 
supervisor, coach, community group leader (scout 
leader, etc.), or spiritual leader. These are called 
supplemental recommendations.
Tips for Obtaining Recommendations
•Request recommendations early, at least one month  
before they are due.
•Request positive recommendations from teachers 
from academic classes — English, math, science, 
foreign language, social studies — you took your  
junior or senior year. Teachers who know you  
well can write the most effective recommendations.
•Recommendations should align with your intended  
major. For example, if you think you will major  
in engineering, ask your AP Calculus teacher  
for a recommendation.
•If you have a special interest, such as photography, art, 
drama, or music, consider asking that teacher for a 
supplemental recommendation. Submit no more than 
two supplemental recommendations. Never submit  
a recommendation from a family member or friend.
•To ensure that your recommenders know enough 
about you to write a robust recommendation, provide 
each person with a copy of the resumé you created 
using the tips on pp. 12-13, or a Brag Sheet like the 
one provided by the Common App. (Go to https://
www.commonapp.org/apply/fy-toolkit and scroll 
down to “Teacher Brag Sheet.”) Some schools have 
a brag sheet used by every teacher in the school, 
and some teachers have their own brag sheets; often,  
you’ll be expected to complete these brag sheets 
before a teacher will write your recommendation.
•Once your recommendations have been submitted, 
check your college portals to make sure they have  
been received. Then, write a thank you note to  
each person who wrote a recommendation for you.  
Also, remember to let these people know when  
you receive your acceptances.
Schedule an Interview
Many liberal arts colleges and some universities 
allow you to interview with admissions staff. This is 
a chance to make yourself stand out by talking about 
your experiences and interests and why you want  
to attend their school. Follow these tips to make  
the most of each college interview:
•Research the college in advance and be ready  
to talk about why it is a good fit for you.
•Be prepared to answer questions about your  
high school and extracurricular activities, why the  
college interests you, and what you can contribute  
as a student.
•Your interviewer will likely finish by asking if you  
have any questions. Prepare three to five thoughtful 
questions in advance, but be ready to think on your 
feet if those questions have already been answered.
•If possible, conduct a mock interview with an  
adult in your success network before your  
actual interview.
•Dress in business casual or business attire for  
the interview.
•Promptly send a thank you note to your interviewer.  
If he or she is your admissions officer, stay in touch 
with additional questions and updates about your  
accomplishments. Use this opportunity to form  
a relationship.
•Find more tips at https://bigfuture.collegeboard.
org/plan-for-college/your-college-application/ 
prepare-for-interviews.
Virtual Interviews 
Your college interview may be virtual, conducted over 
video conferencing software such as Zoom. To prepare:
• Install and test the software in advance.
• Make sure your Wi-Fi is secure.
• Practice beforehand with a friend or family member.
• Find a quiet space with good lighting and  
    no distractions.
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