You Clicked ‘Submit’ For Your Early College Applications. Now What?

Applying for college tends to be a long, detailed process. Many students start applying early (in their junior year or the fall semester of their senior year). Knowing what to do after hitting send can feel overwhelming, like sending official transcripts, filling out financial aid forms, and meeting deadlines.

For those looking to attend college academic institutions, DO NOT WAIT until the night before the published deadline dates to submit your remaining applications!

Early action is key. Complete them now, regardless of future deadline dates. It doesn’t matter how many days in advance of a deadline date you SUBMIT ― what’s critical is that you’ve carefully prepared rather than completed in a final rush. Want to be considered for merit-based scholarships? You may have even earlier application deadline dates.

In any case, once you have successfully applied…

…don’t forget the final pieces of the puzzle. The devil is always in these details. This piece, we will explain what applicants can expect after making an early decision to apply for schools.

Application Process After Applying Early

Once you've sent early college applications to your first-choice college (or other schools), print a copy of the application for your records (or save it as a PDF). Be sure you have a confirmation of submission and application fee payment.

Next, email your JRA College Counselor to let her know you’ve applied.

Official Transcripts for Academic Institutions

Don’t assume anything: Unless you’re certain that your counsellor has sent your official transcript and senior year grades to colleges that require it, remind him or her of your deadlines.

It's fine to send a transcript even before you apply.

Before your official transcript is actually sent, however, check your transcript thoroughly for accuracy. If it includes scores you’re not sending to colleges, ask to have them removed from your transcript (public school counsellors can typically do this through the School District office).

Don’t send official transcripts to universities that require or accept* the SSAR (FAMU, FAU, FL Poly*, FSU, New College*, UF, UNF, USF, UWF) or the SPARK (UCF) unless you’re admitted and decide to go there. Remember to submit the SSAR and/or SPARK by its deadline date.

Recommendations 

Most state universities in Florida don’t accept recommendations. But most Common App colleges require at least one.

Through the Common App, Naviance, Scoir, Maia Learning, your high school’s application management system, or a college’s online portal, you can check which recommendations have been submitted. Make sure your recommenders have followed through in a timely fashion – or remind them again of your request.

Test Scores

Send an official SAT or ACT score report to your colleges that require it in time to meet their deadlines. Most colleges do not require an official AP or IB score report until you’ve committed to actually attending.

Be sure to verify this, as there might be certain rules for multiple schools.

Financial Aid Forms

If you feel you qualify for need-based financial aid, your parents must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible after it opens (opening date in early December not yet confirmed).

Some universities also require the CSS Profile or their own financial aid forms or scholarships. Don’t let this important part of the application process slip away: deadlines are strict – often around this time of year. Be aware, however, that not all colleges are need-blind, and applying for financial aid can have a slightly negative impact on your application at colleges that are not need-blind.

Bright Futures 

Even if you don’t plan to go to college in Florida next year, apply for the Bright Futures Scholarship because if you ever return to Florida for college, you can get a Bright Futures scholarship only if you apply for it during your senior year of high school. Bright Futures no longer requires the FAFSA.

Demonstrate Your Interest with Early Action

Official college visits, including information sessions and campus tours, improve your chances of admission at most private universities. You can even arrange to meet with an admissions counsellor, faculty members, and students. And if you haven’t yet submitted your application, in-depth ─ even virtual ─ visits will help you write more a compelling “Why do you want to attend our school?” essay.

Application Portals

Most colleges provide an online portal that you must periodically check for your application status – starting a few days after submission − to ensure that your application is complete. Just one missing item, such as a recommendation, means that your application is not complete; you won’t be considered for admission until all pieces are received. Note: some colleges have additional application requirements in their portal ─ like Stetson, with its additional essay question ─ so you must check!

Housing

Not all colleges guarantee housing to freshmen, especially our state universities in Florida. Check your colleges’ housing application requirements – especially the University of Florida, where you should apply for housing within a week or two of submitting your application for admission.

Final Tips

You’re almost done with this process—you’re in the home stretch. Three more things…

See If You Need a Mid-Year Report

Most colleges require a mid-year report with an updated official transcript to reflect your first semester grades. Make the necessary arrangements with your school counsellor, as this may not happen automatically.

Continue Demonstrating Interest

Continue to show interest in each college by sending a brief email to your admissions rep in the winter to showcase any new activities and achievements. Follow the colleges you’re most interested in on social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.)

You're Not Finished Yet!

Applying to college early doesn't mean the work is over. In fact, the work has just started! Keep your grades up, continue to work hard, and stay positive! Consider looking into pre-college programs and extracurriculars. You're about to start a brand new chapter in life. Take the step with a full head of steam.

The Wrap

Submitting your early college applications is a huge accomplishment, but it’s only one part of the journey. From sending transcripts and test scores to completing financial aid forms and monitoring application portals, staying organized and proactive is the key.

Every detail you manage now brings you closer to a successful college admission outcome. So don’t lose momentum — keep checking off those next steps, stay in touch with your counsellors, and remember: the finish line is just ahead. Stay confident, stay committed, and trust the process—you’ve got this!

At JRA Educational Consulting, we're here to help guide students as they take their first big step into higher education. If you need help creating a winning application, essay, or resume, we're here for you.Contact us today to learn more.