Next Steps After Submitting Your Applications

Hi Seniors and Parents!

Submitting a college application is an exciting milestone! After all the work that went into preparing it, you deserve to celebrate. However, there are still important steps to complete to make sure each college has everything it needs to review the application.

Following up on our presentation, here are the next steps students should take.

1. Activate each college’s admissions portal

After submitting an application, students will generally receive an email with instructions to access that college’s applicant portal. Timing varies by institution, so check the college’s instructions and look in spam or junk folders if the email has not arrived.

Save each portal link, applicant ID, and login information securely. Students will use these portals to monitor their applications, receive requests, and access decisions.

2. Review the application checklist carefully

Submitting an application does not necessarily mean the application file is complete.

Log in to each portal and review the checklist for missing documents or additional tasks. Depending on the college, these may include:

• High school transcripts and school reports.

• Counselor or teacher recommendations.

• Test scores, when required or being considered.

• Self-reported academic records.

• Application fees or fee waiver documentation.

• Additional forms, portfolios, or program requirements.

Some documents take time to process. If an item appears missing, check the college’s processing guidance before requesting that it be sent again. If it remains missing beyond that timeframe, follow up promptly.

3. Confirm any separate requirements and deadlines

Some colleges require students to complete or link a self-reported academic record separately from the application. Honors programs, scholarships, auditions, and specific majors may also have additional steps.

Check each college individually. Do not assume that completing a requirement for one university completes it for another, or that every supporting document has the same deadline as the application.

4. Check email daily and portals regularly

Students should check the email address used on their applications every day, including spam folders, and review their portals at least once or twice a week while applications are pending.

Watch for requests for information, interview invitations, missing materials, and deadlines. Read each message carefully and respond when requested.

Parents can help students stay organized, but students should take responsibility for monitoring their accounts and communicating with admissions offices.

5. Keep track of all your admissions portals’ login info and status

For each college, record the portal link and login info in your encrypted Keychain section of CounselMore. Also, record application status, outstanding requirements, and upcoming deadlines on Smartsheet. Upload submission confirmations and copies of important correspondence.

If something needs attention, note the action taken and when to check again. This makes it easier to follow up without losing track of a request.

6. Continue doing your best in school

Keep up with classes and commitments. Colleges may request midyear grades, and students who enroll will generally need to provide a final transcript.

If you discover an error in a submitted application or need to report a significant change, contact EduPlan so we can review the college’s instructions and determine the appropriate next step.

You have worked hard to reach this point. A consistent follow-up routine will help ensure that your applications receive the attention they deserve. Please let us know if a portal shows an unexpected requirement or if you receive a message you do not understand.

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