Common App Information:

🎓 SENIORS: Get Ahead on Your College Applications! 🎓

Use the Common Application to simplify your college journey!

The Common App lets you apply to multiple colleges with just one application. It’s easy, efficient, and widely accepted by over 1,000 colleges and universities.

✅ Your Next Steps:

1. Start Your Common App Today

• Visit: www.commonapp.org
• Create your account
• Explore colleges and requirements

2. Request Letters of Recommendation EARLY

• Ask at least 3 weeks before your application deadline
• Give your teachers/counselors time to write thoughtful letters
• Provide them with your resume or brag sheet to help them highlight your strengths

📅 Example Timeline:

If your application is due October 15, request your letters by September 24!

💡 Tips for Success:

• Be polite and professional when making your request
• Follow up with a thank-you note
• Check each college’s specific requirements for recommenders

 

Adding a Recommender in the Common App:

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Recommender

1. Log in to your Common App account
2. Go to commonapp.org and sign in.
3. Go to the “My Colleges” tab
4. This tab shows all the colleges you've added to your application.
5. Select a college
6. Click on one of the colleges in your list to manage recommenders specific to that school.
7. Click on “Recommenders and FERPA”
8. This section is where you manage recommendation requests and complete the FERPA waiver (required before inviting recommenders).
9. Complete the FERPA waiver
10. This step allows you to waive your right to view recommendation letters and is required before you can invite anyone.
11. Click “+ Invite Recommender”
12. Choose the type of recommender:

• Teacher
• Counselor
• Other Recommender (e.g., coach, mentor, employer)
• Advisor (note: advisors do not submit transcripts)

 

SAT Fee Waiver:

🎓 SAT Fee Waiver: Get Help Paying for the SAT! 💸

Confirm Your Eligibility

Visit the SAT Fee Waivers page on the College Board website to review the eligibility criteria.

✅ How to Apply

1. Apply Online

• Log in to your College Board account
• Navigate to the SAT Fee Waiver Request Form (available only to U.S. residents)
• Fill out the form with:
  • Personal and household information
  • Name and email of an adult who can confirm your eligibility

2. Await Review and Decision

• College Board will review your request
• An adult may be contacted to verify your information
• You’ll receive an email notification with the decision

3. Use Your Benefits (If Approved)

• Fee waiver benefits will appear in your MySAT account
• Use them to register for the SAT at no cost!

📌 Important Considerations

• U.S. Residents Only: This online request process is for U.S. residents
• Two Waivers Per Student: You may receive up to two fee waivers
• Deadlines Matter: Request your waiver at least 2 weeks before the SAT registration deadline

Financial Aid:

💰 FAFSA & WASFA: Apply for Financial Aid for 2026–2027! 💰

College is expensive—get the help you deserve!

📅 Opening Date

Applications open October 1, 2025

Submit early to maximize your chances for grants, scholarships, and work-study funds

✅ Which Application Should You Use?

• FAFSA
• For U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens
• Apply for federal and state financial aid
• 👉 Apply at www.StudentAid.gov

• WASFA
• For undocumented students or those ineligible for FAFSA
• Apply for Washington state financial aid
• 👉 Apply at wsac.wa.gov/wasfa

📝 What You’ll Need to Apply

• FSA ID (for FAFSA) for student and parent
• 2024 tax information
• Social Security numbers (if applicable)
• Household financial records (bank balances, child support, etc.)

 💡 Tips for Success

• Apply as soon as possible after October 1
• Gather documents early
• Talk to your parents about the documents you need (2024 tax information)
• Check your email for updates from colleges

  📣 Need Help?

• For FAFSA,
  • Visit StudentAid.gov
• For WASFA support,
  • Contact the Washington Student Achievement Council:
  • 📧 wasfa@wsac.wa.gov | ☎️ 888-535-0747