What’s After College Applications?

Check Your Application Status 

Log into your applicant portals
After submitting your application, you will get an email from each college with instructions to create an account on their applicant portal. These portals let you track your application status. Make sure all your materials are in and wait for your admissions decisions.

Stay on top of updates
Regularly check your portals and emails to make sure you are not missing anything. Sometimes colleges ask for additional materials or updates, so staying on top of things is key. 

Turn in Supplemental Materials 

What are supplemental materials?
Some colleges might ask for extra items to complete your application. Most of them can be accessed through their applicant portal. These could include: 

• Additional essays: Sometimes colleges require prompts for short, specific essays depending on which major you are applying to. 

• Self-reported grades: For schools that want mid-year or senior-year updates. Some schools require SRAR (Self-Reported Academic Record), allowing students to self-report courses and grades that have already been completed, or will be attempted.  

• Video recordings: Quick introductions or answers to specific questions. It helps colleges view their applicants beyond essays. 

• Portfolios: Usually required for students applying to creative programs like art, music, or design. 

Apply for Scholarships 

Why should you care about scholarships?
Scholarships can make college way more affordable. Whether you get a few smaller ones or one big award, every dollar helps reduce the stress of paying for school. Try to hunt for every scholarship eligible. 

 Types of scholarships 

• Merit-based: For students with strong academics, athletics, or arts achievements. 
• Need-based: For families who need financial help. 
• Identity-based: Focused on certain groups (like first-gen students or specific ethnicities). 
• Program-specific: Tied to majors or career goals. 

Best websites for scholarships 

• Fastweb (www.fastweb.com) 

• Scholarships.com (www.scholarships.com) 

• Bold.org (www.bold.org) 

• Lakes Scholarship  

Fill Out Financial Aid Forms 

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) 

• Opens every October—apply as soon as possible. 
• Helps you qualify for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. 

WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) 

• For Washington state students who are not eligible for FAFSA. 
• Opens doors to state financial aid programs. 

Why it matters
Filing these forms early means more chances to get financial aid. Plus, you will get a clearer picture of how much college will cost. 

 Colleges will reach out if they need something, and missing a deadline could hurt your chances. Applying to college is a marathon, not a sprint. After the applications are in, staying organized and proactive will make the rest of the process less stressful. Also, don’t forget to check out Lakes Scholarship!