College Application Process

The college application process begins with researching schools you are interested in. You can start attending information sessions with college admissions counselors on campus at Innovation Academy starting in your sophomore year. Here is a list of steps for applying to college and a recommended timeline for completing the items.

College Application Steps & Timeline

We've provided some helpful information on how to start your search and do your research.

 

PSAT

• The PSAT is a standardized test usually taken in 10th or 11th grade.

• The PSAT lasts just under three hours and tests your math, reading, and writing abilities.

• The exam is designed to prepare you for the SAT and gauge college readiness.

• It's also the qualifying exam for National Merit Scholarships for students taking it during 11th grade.

• Fulton County Schools pays for students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade to take the PSAT. 

• The PSAT is typically administered in October.

Article About the PSAT

SAT

The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The SAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based test created and administered by the College Board. 

• The SAT evaluates prospective college students' math, reading, and writing skills.
• The popular college entrance exam takes three hours and consists of over 150 questions.
• Starting in 2024, the SAT will go digital, cut the number of questions, and take just two hours.

Students typically take the SAT in their Junior year or summer before senior year.

Article About the SAT

ACT

• The ACT is one of the most popular standardized college entrance exams in the U.S.
• The three-hour test measures college readiness in English, math, reading, and science.
• Test-takers can also sit for an optional essay section.
• Scoring well on the ACT is a strong indicator of success your first year of college.

Article About the ACT

 

Free ACT and SAT Test Prep

• Khan Academy offers free personalized practice for the SAT. khanacademy.org/sat.

• Free ACT help through ACT 

• Free SAT and ACT test prep is available through Streamable Learning. To access the videos, go to Classlink> Safari Montage> Streamable Learning> Recordings> Choose ACT Prep or SAT Prep and Submit.

• The Atlanta-Fulton Public library offers free test prep. You must have an active AFPLS library card. Go to https://www.fulcolibrary.org/ and then Service> Digital Library> For Teens> College Prep.  Scroll down for two options: Learning Express and Peterson’s Test Prep.

The Common App and Coalition for College are two different organizations that offer a standardized streamlined application process. Some colleges and universities participate in only one application. Others participate in both. Explore their websites and find out which platform features the colleges and universities you would like to apply to. Choose the one with the most schools you are interested in and complete the core part of that application over the summer. Work on both if it looks like you'll need to apply through both.

The Common Black College Application is an affordable college application that can be used to apply to multiple HBCUs across the country - all at once. Using this application is a great option for students who want to apply to HBCUs while cutting down on traditionally high college application costs.

We've created a one-page Q&A with important information on how to complete your applications. You'll get answers to questions about information such as class rank, class size, and sending ACT, SAT, and AP test scores. We recommend you read this before starting your applications.

Q&A for Completing Your Application

Step 1: Obtain Teacher Approval Before Summer Break

Step 2: Complete Brag Sheet(s)

• Fillable Teacher Brag Sheet

• Fillable Counselor Brag Sheet

Step 3: Upload your Brag Sheet and Submit Request

• Click Here For The Recommendation Request Form

Step 4: Follow instructions in the college's application platform to invite your teacher or counselor to submit your letter of recommendation.

Deadline to request letters of recommendation process is June 15th.

Innovation Academy Seniors Transcript Requests

• If you are applying through the Common App, Black Common App, or Coalition App (SCOIR), you do not need to request a transcript. Your counselor will be notified by the system that they need to upload your transcript.

• If you are applying through GAFutures, you can request your transcript through GAFutures.

• If you are not using one of the methods listed above, or are applying to a program or scholarship, request your transcript through ScribOrder. If you are requesting to have a transcript sent directly to a college, choose Educational Institution from the Address Type drop down menu. If you need the transcript emailed to an organization, but you are requesting it, you must type in the email address where it needs to go under the Special Instructions section.

As we learn about workshops and info sessions that help you with the college application process, we will post them here.

Georgia Student Finance Commission Providing Financial Aid Sessions

Do you need help filling out the FAFSA? Have questions about financial aid? Attend a financial aid/FAFSA event at your local library. A Georgia Student Finance Commission representative will be available to help you.

Thursday, August 1, 2024
11:00am – 1:00pm
Roswell Public Library
115 Norcross St., Roswell GA 30075

Tuesday, August 13, 2024
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Northeast Spruill Oaks Library
9560 Spruill Rd., Johns Creek GA 30022