Q.  How many schools should I apply to?

A.  A good ballpark figure is six, including at least two from each of the following three categories: (1) reach schools, (2) fifty/fifty schools, and (3) safe schools. The purpose is to apply to colleges of varying degrees of selectivity in order to maximize chances of success.

Most students have no trouble finding the reaches. These are the dream schools, where the odds of admission are long. There is nothing wrong with dreaming, but it also pays to include one or two where the odds are close to fifty/fifty. Last, applicants should find at least one or two colleges where they would be happy to attend and are reasonably certain of admission.

Just remember, even if you are accepted into ten schools, you can still only attend one.


Q.  What is the Common Application?

A.  The Common Application is a single application for undergraduate college admission, used by a consortium of selective colleges and universities. There are currently over 300 member colleges and universities, both public and private who agree to give full consideration to applicants submitted on this one common form. You can find the member list on the Common Application website.


Q.  Most colleges are asking students to apply on-line, what should we do?

A.  At Kennedy, we ask that all students submit their applications to the guidance department. Therefore, we can review the completed application before it gets sent out. Once we review it, we then add the required documents, (transcript, letters of recommendation, etc..) and send the application out in its entirety to the college.


Q.  If I am a first time parent going through the college process, where do I begin?

A.  It is strongly recommended that you call your son/daughter’s guidance counselor to get started. He/she can give you valuable information, set up an appointment and try to make the process as stress-free and fun as possible.