THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS & TIPS
Different Types of College Applications?
Coalition: One Application for over 150 colleges and universities. Increases
college access and affordability for all students, specifically underrepresented
groups

Common App: 900 colleges and universities with one application, less
repetition of demographic information

Common Black College App: allows students to submit one application to

participating Historically Black Colleges for $20 application fee.

Naturalized Application: Application on the college's website, designed

specifically for that college/university.

Different Types of Deadlines?

Early Decision: Allows students to apply early. November 1st is a common
deadline. Typically a Binding Agreement (sign a statement agreeing to enroll
in that college if you're accepted)
Early Action: Allows students to apply early. November 1st is a common
deadline. This application is Non-Binding.
Regular Decision: Apply by the published deadline. January 1st is a common
deadline. Acceptance letters typically in March.
Rolling Admission: You can submit your application any time within a large
window and receive a decision as applications are received

Check Status of Applications?

Students should monitor their application status on the college's website.
Once the application is submitted, colleges will update materials received
and any missing documents on their school portal. Also, regularly check the
email address you provided.

Request Transcripts?
If Applied Through CommonApp: transcripts are sent electronically by
counselor AFTER the student has, added at least one college to the My
College tab, completed the FERPA section, and selected/invited counselor to
complete school report section. Critical that you spell your counselor email
correctly *You can allow your counselor to see a PDF preview of your in-
progress application. Under their name, you can click on the 'Enable
Preview' button to grant them preview access.

If Applied Through Coalition: transcripts are sent electronically by your

counselor. Critical that you spell your counselor email correctly

If Applied Through Naturalized Application: transcripts for FL public

colleges that require official transcripts are sent electronically after
completing transcript request form.
https://dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/25155 (Located on DA Website)

If Applied Through Naturalized Application: transcripts to out of state

colleges, students must pick transcripts up from the school counseling office
and personally mail them. You must complete transcript request form.
https://dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/25155 (Located on DA Website)

Student Self Academic Report (SSAR)

Some colleges require students to complete a SSAR (or other self reporting
system) in place of sending a transcript (check college's admission
requirements)
https://ssar.selfreportedtranscript.com/Login.aspx

Students must enter every high school course/grade/credit received (use

FOCUS for this information)

Students MUST LINK their SSAR with their college application. (Follow
directions on college's website to link SSAR to application) Your
Application is not complete without linking your SSAR

CONGRATULATIONS! TIME FOR COLLEGE.

THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS & TIPS
SSAR Continued...
CEEB Code: 100791
Graduation: May 2023
GPA: Located in FOCUS. Weighted GPA 5.0 scale, Unweighted GPA 4.0 scale
Class Rank/Size: We no longer use class rank. We use percentile rank, located
on your transcript in focus. Email your counselor if not found.
Percentile: Florida Standard, Quartile Based (CommonApp is Decile Based)
Entering Courses & Grades:
Grade level taken: look at the school year in FOCUS
Name of course: list it exactly as in FOCUS
Indicate if the course is Standard, Honors AP, Dual Enrollment
Enter Semester 1 Grade & Semester 2 Grade
Yearlong Courses: Enter the same grade for Sem 1 & Sem 2
Current 12th Grade Courses: In Progress

Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

Completing the FERPA Release Authorization will grant your
high school permission to send records on your behalf
(transcripts and any required recommendations)

Waiving your rights will not allow you to read letters of recommendations.
This helps reassure colleges that the letters are candid and truthful. Some
recommenders may only write a letter if you have waived your rights.

Your selection pertains to all colleges to which you apply to and

cannot be changed after any recommendation or application
submission

Letters of Recommendation?
NOT ALL COLLEGES REQUIRES A RECOMMENDATION.
If not required or accepted, do NOT send. If you have any extenuating
circumstances then a letter can be submitted as supplemental
documentation (speak to your counselor if you feel this is your case).
Ask at least three weeks in advance; In person and then cofirm via email
Never add a recommender without asking first and providing necessary
letter of reccomendation material (resume, counselor information
sheet)
Counselor Recommendation Form (REQUIRED) located on TEAMS
If recommender is to mail it, provide stamped and addressed envelope
Students can/should submit their college application prior to the submission
of the letter of recommendation.

SAT & ACT Test Scores

Test Optional: Colleges that are test optional do not require you to submit SAT
or ACT scores but will consider them if submitted.

SAT: Official scores must be requested and submited through the student's
collegeboard account www.collegeboard.org
ACT: Official scores must be requested and submitted through the student's
ACT account www.act.org

SuperScore: College who superscore takes a student’s highest SAT or ACT

subscores from different test dates for a new, higher “superscore.”

Need To Know Information

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
CEEB Code: 100791
2445 San Diego Rd. Jackonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-346-5620

Kathy Anderson (students last names A-F)

Mortensenk@duvalschools.org
Angel Sletto (students last names G-M)
SlettoA2@duvalschools.org
Shaneka Ferrell (students last names N-Z)
Ferrells1@duvalschools.org

CONGRATULATIONS! TIME FOR COLLEGE.