What to Do After Submitting Your College Applications (Downloadable PDF Available for Free)

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What to Do After Submitting Your College Applications : A Post-Submission Checklist by GetInColleges.com

Applying to college can feel overwhelming. Between strict deadlines, the pressure to stand out, and the emotional ups and downs of waiting for results, it’s no wonder many students describe it as the most stressful time of their academic life—especially while managing their final year of high school.

Why You Should Keep Checking Your College Portals

Submitting your college applications is a big milestone—but your work isn’t done yet. After applying, it’s important to check each college’s application portal regularly, ideally once or twice a week. These portals are where schools post key updates about your application, such as whether your transcripts, test scores, or recommendation letters have been received. You may also find important notices about missing documents, financial aid forms, or scholarship opportunities. In many cases, colleges release admission decisions directly through the portal—sometimes without sending an email notification. By staying proactive and keeping an eye on your portals, you’ll make sure nothing slips through the cracks during this crucial stage of the admissions process.

■ Confirm Submissions: Verify all applications show as submitted, payments processed, and save confirmation em

■ Log Into School Portals: Check for missing documents, financial aid items, and updates weekly.

■ Verify Recommendations & Scores: Ensure counselor forms, teacher letters, and SAT/ACT reports are received

■ Complete Financial Aid: File FAFSA and CSS Profile; check priority deadlines for scholarships and aid. (Keep an eye on Idoc requests!)

■ Send Mid-Year Grades: Ask your counselor to send updated transcripts once available (usually January–February

■ Write Thank-You Notes: Send appreciation messages to recommenders and counselors. ■ Monitor Your Email: Check daily for interview invites or missing info; whitelist college domains.

■ Keep Grades Strong: Colleges review senior grades—avoid big drops in performance.

■ Prepare for Interviews: Review essays, practice “Why this college?” and “Tell me about yourself.”

■ Track Everything: Use a spreadsheet for portals, statuses, deadlines, and aid details.

■ Stay Balanced: Celebrate your hard work, enjoy senior year, and stay grounded.

Best practice

Check once or twice a week after submitting
Check daily around deadlines or decision release periods
Keep login info and email alerts organized (some portals lock out inactive users)

GetInColleges.com — Helping You Stay Ahead in the Application Journey