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College Application FAQs
- What's the first thing I need to do at RM to be prepared to apply to college?
- Can I bring the registrar my essay or portfolio or things I forgot to include in my application after I've turned it in?
- What does a college application include?
- What parts of the applications packet do I have to give the registrar? (NEVER give anything directly to your counselor!)
- Are there any fees to be paid to RM when I turn in my application?
- What is an official transcript?
- Why can't I get a transcript from the registrar and mail things on my own?
- What about letters of recommendation?
- When should I submit my materials to the registrar?
- What else is given to the registrar?
1. What's the first thing I need to do at RM to be prepared to apply to college?
Pick up a Transcript Release Card in the registrar's office or in the College Career Center. Fill out the front and have your parent sign it. Then take it to the registrar. You need to do this only once in your RM career.
2. Can I bring the registrar my essay or portfolio or things I forgot to include in my application after I've turned it in?
A. No!
3. What does a college application include?
A. The application packet includes the application form itself, usually requires an essay, and almost always has a form called the Secondary School Report or Counselor Report. You will complete section 1 on a standardized NACAC/Secondary School Report form in the Spring of your junior year and give this to your counselor. Your counselor will complete the remaining sections of this report, and will give it to the Registrar. The Registrar will duplicate it and send it to all of the colleges to which you are applying. You must include an application fee with your application.
4. What parts of the applications packet do I have to give the registrar? (NEVER give anything directly to your counselor!)
You will mail the application form, fee, and essay yourself.
You must provide the Registrar with a 9"x11-1/2" envelope, addresed to the college, with your first and last name (only) in the upper left corner and with proper postage affixed. Postage amounts can be found on a flier taped to the Registrar's window in the Counseling office.
5. Are there any fees to be paid to RM when I turn in my application?
Yes. The first transcript you request is free, with additional transcripts costing $5.00 each. You may pay by cash or check, made payable to RMHS.
6. What is an official transcript?
An official transcript includes your high school grades and credits- and any middle school math or foreign language courses that are eligible for high school credit.
7. Why can't I get a transcript from the registrar and mail things on my own?
Transcripts received directly from the student usually are not considered "official." In addition, the registrar will coordinate with your counselor to include his/her letter of recommendation, a school profile, and additional forms for IB students.
8. What about letters of recommendation?
You should schedule an interview appointment with your counselor as soon as possible so he or she can prepare a comprehensive letter of recommendation. This should occur in the spring or summer of your junior year.
You must request letters from teachers and follow up with them on your own. Check with the instructions of the college to which you are applying. In many instances, you will need to provide teachers with stamped, addressed envelopes to the colleges so they can mail their letters directly to the college.
9. When should I submit my materials to the registrar?
The sooner, the better. You want the colleges to be looking at your materials well before the rush of the deadline!
The registrar will begin accepting college applications in late September. You must submit your application AT LEAST one month ahead of its due date! Applications due between January 1-30 must be given to the registrar before Thanksgiving break.
10. What else is given to the registrar?
Most colleges require a Mid-Year Report of your grades. In January, you should bring the registrar a white, business-size envelope addressed to each college, with your first and last name (only) in the upper left corner and one first class postage stamp affixed. If your application is to a college outside of the U.S., be sure to affix the appropriate postage.
At the end of the year, bring the same sized envelope, stamped and addressed to the college you plan to attend so that a Final Transcript can be sent in July.
There is no charge for either the mid-year or final transcripts.