Many colleges require that an entering student complete high school by obtaining a diploma or GED. Along with completing high school, many colleges desire that you have taken certain courses during your high school years to prepare you for college. Many colleges want you to complete so many years of foreign language, math, science and English. For example, Vanderbilt University requires that applicant's complete four years of English, two years of science and two years of the same foreign language. Princeton University requires four years of English, two years of science with a lab and four years of the same foreign language. Many technical colleges and community colleges will not have these same requirements.
Not only must you complete your secondary education, you must submit your transcripts to most colleges as part of the application or enrollment process. Transcripts usually must be official, and have an official stamp or seal placed on them by your high school or previous institution. Most high schools will mail transcripts to colleges upon your request. Transcript requests generally are handled through your high school counseling office. Current students may not have to pay fees to submit transcripts, but those that have already graduated may be expected to pay a fee to have your school submit your transcripts.
Many colleges require some sort of entrance examination. Most four-year colleges require that you take the SAT or ACT exam and have your scores sent directly to the institution. Upon acceptance to a four-year program, you may be required to take further placement exams. Such exams will place you in the correct math, English and other courses based on your performance. Community colleges will usually require placement exams for those students who are attending full-time and enrolled in an academic program. Technical schools will also often require placement exams. Information about placement exams will be provided once you enroll at an institution.
Many four-year colleges and those technical colleges with extremely popular degree programs may have requirements based on the competitiveness of entry. Ivy League schools such as Harvard University and Yale University may prefer to select students with 4.0 grade point averages (GPAs) and higher, and SAT or ACT scores in the top percentile. Many colleges will have average GPAs and SAT or ACT scores for their entering freshman class listed on their websites. To increase your chances of getting into college, find a college that has an average GPA and test scores that are close to your own.
All colleges require an application process. Community colleges typically require that an applicant visit the school and complete an application in person. Many four-year colleges prefer that students submit an application by mail or online. Four-year college applications may require a personal essay, teacher recommendations, transcripts and an application fee. Some colleges may also require or recommend that applicants take part in a face-to-face interview with an admissions representative.