1. Personal Information: This usually includes your name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, and possibly your social security number (SSN).
2. Contact Information for Parents/Guardians: The application will need contact information for your parent(s) or guardian(s).
3. Academic Record: This section often requires:
* Previous School Information: Name and address of your current (or most recent) school.
* Transcripts: Official or unofficial transcripts showing your grades, GPA, and course history. Schools will specify whether official transcripts are needed at this stage or later in the admission process.
* Standardized Test Scores: Scores from tests like the SAT or ACT may be required, but this is becoming less common, especially for certain schools. Check the specific requirements.
* Course Selection: A list of the courses you've taken and are currently taking, often indicating the level of difficulty (e.g., Honors, AP, IB).
4. Application Essays/Personal Statements: This is a crucial part of the application. These essays allow you to showcase your personality, experiences, and aspirations. The prompts will vary, but they often focus on:
* Your academic interests: What subjects do you excel in? What are you passionate about learning?
* Your extracurricular activities: What are your hobbies, clubs, sports, volunteer work, and other activities outside of school? Highlight achievements and leadership roles.
* Your personal qualities: Describe your character, personality, skills, and strengths. Show, don't just tell!
* Your goals and aspirations: What are your plans for the future? Why do you want to attend this high school?
5. Letters of Recommendation: Many high schools require letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know you well. You'll typically need to provide names and contact information for your recommenders, and they'll submit the letters separately.
6. Supplementary Materials (Optional but often encouraged):
* Portfolio: If you're applying to a school with a strong arts program, you might need to submit a portfolio of your work.
* Awards and Honors: List any significant awards, recognitions, or scholarships you've received.
* Extracurricular Activities Details: More detailed descriptions of your involvement in extracurricular activities.
7. Fee Payment: Many high schools require an application fee. Check the application instructions for payment methods.
Remember to carefully read the instructions provided by the specific high school you're applying to. Each school has its unique requirements and deadlines, and missing even one element could jeopardize your application. Start working on your application well in advance of the deadline to avoid last-minute stress.