The College Application Questions I Hear Most Often (Part 2 of 2)

Lisa Hillhouse, IEC, Founder, Hillhouse College and Career Advising, LLC

"I’m not finished testing. How will I submit my apps?"

First, check the school’s Admissions websites for the testing policy. Are they required? Encouraged? Or, not accepted? Must official scores need to be sent from the testing service? If so, what is the latest testing date they will accept?

The Common Application allows students to list the SAT, ACT, AP and IB tests they have taken and the ones they plan to take. If a student is ready or needs to apply before SAT and/or ACT scores are back, they can list the test(s) they are waiting on (under Planned) with the date, and include the scores they already know about. 

When schools see scores listed, they anticipate those score reports being sent, so be sure to follow through with ordering on time. One downside to not waiting is that you may be reporting lower scores than the most recent test sitting. I remind students not to worry-you are showing effort and improvement if the scores rise. In the event they don’t improve, schools are not going to hold the lower scores against you. 

"I’m ready to submit my apps, but my teachers haven’t written their recommendations yet!”

As long as the teacher has confirmed they will write a letter and if you have invited them in the application (or using your school’s college software), you can then submit your application. While many schools do not require one, and some schools won’t accept one, a strongly written letter supporting you as a student often helps. Letters should be from an upper-level core class, especially one related to your field(s) of study.

Remind writers of your first application deadline and be sure to give them a heads up once your applications are submitted. Check your portal (and the Common App) to see if the letters have been uploaded. Don’t forget admissions deadlines!
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"Should we apply for financial aid?"

In most cases, yes! Filing as soon as the FAFSA opens (as of this publication, 9/25/26, it is already open) matters, because some aid is distributed on a first-come basis. Beyond that, understanding which schools meet full demonstrated need, which are loan-averse, and which offer merit aid can shape the list itself, so financial fit deserves the same attention as academic fit. Unless a family has a very high financial need (and are applying to need-aware schools), applying for financial aid typically doesn’t work against the applicant. In some cases, it can demonstrate a family’s ability to pay, which can be a positive for admission. Note that some schools and some states, require all students to submit the FAFSA, even if only for scholarship consideration.

“I’m not excited about this optional supplemental essay. Is it okay to skip it?

Colleges absolutely read them, and often they matter more than people expect. A generic "Why Us" essay that could apply to any school is an easy way to signal disinterest. The strongest supplements name specific programs, professors, and learning opportunities unique to that campus. Then, connect them to something real about the student’s interests and passions. If you did the deep research on the school, it should not be difficult to write this essay.

​"Are admissions portals and emails important? I already get so many emails that it’s overwhelming."

​Once an application is submitted, set up the admissions portal as soon as you receive an email link. This is often within 48 hours. Then, a weekly check is plenty, unless a school specifically requests something. Constant refreshing doesn't speed anything up and mostly just adds stress. Besides checking your portals weekly, students should read the emails and texts from the schools they are applying to/have applied to. There may be a request for a missing document, a special event invite, a scholarship award, etc. Do not skip checking them. If you don't receive a portal request within a few days, make sure your application has been downloaded (you can see this on the Common App Colleges/Overview section). Then check your spam folder.


What questions have this year's admissions cycle raised? Message me with your suggestions for future blogs. Interested in a complimentary family meeting? You can find the Calendly link on my website, www.hillhousecollegeadvising.com