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Expert Guidance from Start to Submit: Simplifying the College Application Process - One Step at a Time
Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. At College Map Mentor, we help students approach every part of the application process with confidence, strategy, and clarity. From choosing a balanced list of colleges that fit who they are to reviewing every detail before you click "submit," we ensure your applications are accurate, complete, and stand out for all the right reasons.
We help you learn how organization and preparation are the keys to navigating your college applications, and assist you in building a college application plan to help you stay on track throughout the process.
There are a few ways to complete your application process:
Common Application (most common)
Common Black College Application (to apply to HBCUs)
Use the College Map Mentor's Academic Organizer to keep track of your classes, grades, awards, certifications, accolades, community service, clubs, sports, work, etc. Collect all of the information you need to complete your applications in one place.
Whether you are using Common App, Coalition App, or applying directly to a college, follow the checklist to the right.
One big piece of advice is to use the same personal email when filling out these forms - do NOT use your school email address!
Take screenshots of the information you are supplying so you are consistent with your answers across all applications.
Many of the questions will be repeated, not only in other applications, but also found on the STARS or the SPARK.
Lastly, make sure to check your emails daily! You never know when a college may need information or has made a decision. Wishing you the best, seniors!
How many colleges should you apply to?
How many colleges should you apply to?
Students may apply to as many schools as they would like. However, it is best to create a BALANCED college list. This can contain five to ten colleges or up to 20 if you are a theater or fine arts major. These colleges should include at least one Reach School, one Match/Target School, and one Safety School.
Reach School
Your academic credentials fall below the college's acceptance range for the average first-year student. This is a long shot, but is possible.
Match/Target School
Your academic credentials fall within or exceed the college's acceptance range for the average first-year student. This is not a guarantee, but you have an acceptable chance of being accepted.
Safety School
Your academic credentials fall above the college's acceptance range for the average first-year student. You will be more than likely to be admitted.
FACTORS IN ADMISSION DECISIONS
FACTORS IN ADMISSION DECISIONS
Per the NACAC "For the Fall 2023 admission cycle, NACAC member four-year colleges reported that the most important factors in admission decisions were grades in high school courses and strength of the high school curriculum."
Do the top factors in admission decisions vary by type of college?
Across all four-year colleges surveyed by NACAC, high school grades and strength of high school curriculum are uniformly rated as the most important factors. However, some differences were found between public and private colleges in the level of importance given to the following factors:
high school grades in college prep courses
strength of curriculum
class rank
positive character attributes
the essay or writing sample
the interview (if applicable)
work
extracurricular activities
counselor and teacher recommendations
student’s interest in attending the institution
TYPES OF college admission options
TYPES OF college admission options
As you begin to build your college list, make sure you know the options for admissions each college offers. Make sure you research all deadlines and look at the decision release dates.
gpa vs recalculated gpa
gpa vs recalculated gpa
GPA: This is your grade point average based upon a 4.0 scale - every class is weighted the same.
Weighted GPA: Most high schools offer a "weighted" GPA, placing a higher value/using a different scale for honors, IB, AP, AICE, and dual enrollment. The scales can be out a 5.0, 6.0, or higher scale, depending on the school. Your high school may calculate your weighted GPA differently from how the college you are applying to does.
Recalculated GPA: Colleges will recalculate your GPA. Many colleges only consider core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) with 1 point added for AP/AICE/IB, and .5 points added for honors core classes. Some colleges include world language classes, and others include classes like AP Computer Science. NOTE: Not all AP, AICE, IB, or dual enrollment classes will be counted in your recalculated GPA.
Updated: 10/20/2025
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