APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT APPLYING TO COLLEGE
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
BE PREPARED

College application requirements can vary between schools, but we have provided the common elements to college applications.

Remember, colleges come in all shapes and sizes. We are here to help you put your best foot forward for acceptance to the schools you have chosen. Below is a list of typical college application requirements.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
BE PREPARED

College application requirements can vary between schools, but we have provided the common elements to college applications.

Remember, colleges come in all shapes and sizes. We are here to help you put your best foot forward for acceptance to the schools you have chosen. Below is a list of typical college application requirements.

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?

Download THE BIG GUIDE for Free detailed information to start early on planning for college.

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IMPORTANT  WEBSITES TO VISIT

COLLEGE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

PLAN AHEAD FOR COLLEGE

HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Work towards taking challenging classes. Most schools offer Advanced Placement classes or Honors classes that would look great on college transcripts. Reach out to your guidance counselors to help map out what is best for you.

HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM
GOOD GRADES

GOOD GRADES

KEEPING YOUR GRADES UP

College admission officers will notice. Feel like your grades aren’t up to snuff? Don’t get discouraged. There are colleges for just about every type of student. You just need to find the right one for you.

SAT & ACT SCORES

STANDARDIZED TESTING

Research average scores at colleges to find out where yours fit in. Your test scores should be consistent with your grades.  Many schools have moved to a test optional model for admissions, but some schools or majors within a school may still require standardized test scores for admissions.  Check the admissions web page or call the admission office to find out what exactly is required.

SAT & ACT SCORES
ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITES

LEADERSHIP & INITIATIVE

A long-term commitment to activities - whether your activity is sports, debate club, science team, etc - demonstrates initiative and leadership, skills which are important to many colleges.

It's never too late to get involved.  Join something in your senior year to broaden your horizons before heading off to college.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

COMPASSION, CREATIVITY & DEPTH

Giving back matters. It also has a positive impact on your high school transcripts. College are looking for students who will also engage outside of the classroom and make a positive impact on campus.

A steady commitment to a public service organization is more valuable than a short-time volunteer position.

Volunteer opportunities are generally not hard to find, check with your guidance office, local library and other community organizations.  

COMMUNITY SERVICE
INTERNSHIPS & SUMMER JOBS

INTERNSHIP & SUMMER JOB

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS

A summer job or internship shows maturity, responsibility and financial planning. Keeping steady work during the school year, summer or internships, demonstrates maturity and work ethic that prepares you for college.

COLLEGE ESSAYS

STAND OUT

An important part your entire college application packet is the essay. This component is integral to many college's decision-making processes for several reasons. It is your one and maybe only chance to show the admissions team your personality, how you will fit into the campus culture, and what makes you unique. 

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COLLEGE ESSAYS
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

A THIRD PARTY REFERRAL

Request letters of recommendation from teachers who know you and the quality of your work. Limit recommendations from other adults to school administrators, supervisors or coaches.

Be sure to check the admissions requirements from each schools, as the number of recommendations and from whom may be different from school to school.

AWARDS & HONORS

STRENGTH & COMMITMENT

Honors, awards, or other recognition that demonstrate your individuality.   Be sure to list them all, as they all matter in representing you.  Be sure to include everything from freshmen to senior year.

AWARDS & HONORS
LISTEN TO THE EXPERTS

THE COMMON APPLICATION

Find how to to start, complete and submit your Common Application.  View this prerecorded information session:  What You Need To Know When Completing the Common App.

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TOOLS & RESOURCES

KNOWLEDGE FOR COLLEGE
ENTER TO WIN $2,000 SCHOLARSHIP

Visit our Knowledge for College Scholarship page to learn more and enter today!

EVENTS
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A free service offered by RISLA's College Planning Center.

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Look for hundreds of hard-to-find local scholarships.

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QUESTIONS
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RISLA PRODUCTS & SERVICES

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Students and families can be overwhelmed with planning and how to pay for college.  We have experienced counselors that offer one on one assistance helping families understand all their options start to finish.

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EDUCATION LOANS

We have been offering low cost, fix rate education loans for almost 30 years.  Helping students and families borrower responsibly to help achieve their higher education dreams.

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REFINANCE

Refinancing may help you simplify and save when repaying student loans.  Combining outstanding balances, and securing a low interest rate with RISLA may reduce your overall repayment amount and possibly your monthly payment.

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EMPLOYER REPAY

Employer Student Loan Repayment assistance is a tax-free benefit allowing employers to contribute towards the repayment of employee student loans.  This newest in-demand employee benefit helps reduce financial stress for employees while increasing retention and loyalty to employers.

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