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After High School
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Applying to College
Once your child knows what colleges she wants to go to, it's time to start applying.
Read these pages about how to apply to college
Most teens applying to college narrow their choices to eight schools:
- Two colleges your child knows she will get into, like a community college.
- Four colleges your child really wants to go to, and is pretty sure she will get accepted
into, like a good state or private college.
- Two colleges your child would love to go to, but is not sure she will get into, like an
Ivy League school.
First, get the application.
Your child can get the application these ways:
- Call the college and ask them to send you an application.
- Go to the college admissions office and get one.
- Download the application online.
- Apply online.
Then, fill out the application.
- Make a copy to practice on before filling out the real one.
- Write in black ink or type. Follow directions.
- Write neatly and spell correctly!
- Make sure your child reads and completes all sections.
Most applications have these sections:
- Audiogram. This is a letter signed by an
audiologist saying your child has
hearing loss.
- Essay. Usually the college asks your child to describe herself or answer a specific
question. Type and proofread the essay before sending it in. Be sure your child answers all parts of the
essay.
- Letter of recommendation. Ask one of your child's teachers, coaches, counselor, or employer
to write the letter. The letter says why your child will do well in college, and what your child is good at.
Read this parent's advice
about getting someone to write a letter of recommendation.
- Proof. You may be asked to give your child's college different forms of proof, like
your copies of your child's birth certificate, citizenship papers, health insurance, and your tax information.
- Special programs. If your child is applying for a special program at the college,
like Honors or Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), there will be more forms to fill out.
- Special services. If your child would like to use special services for the deaf that the
college has, like interpreters and tutors, your child should note that on the application. Or if your child is
getting money to go to college because of a disability, she should say so.
- Test scores. Make sure all scores from tests like the SAT and ACT are sent to your
child's college.
- Transcript. A transcript is a record of your child's grades and classes in school.
Your child's guidance department will give you the transcript.
- Foreign language. Most colleges want your child to have 2 years of a foreign language,
like Spanish. Your child may have to take a placement test in that language to show what she's learned.
Your child may be able to use American Sign Language to count as a foreign language.
Read
one parent's advice about ASL.
Next, pay the application fee.
- Enclose a check or money order for the amount, usually about $50.
- Ask your child's school about getting a fee waiver, so you don't have to pay.
Last, send the application.
Your child can send the application these ways:
- Go to the college admissions office in person.
- Ask your child's school to send it.
- Send it through the mail.
- Apply online.
Send the application a week ahead of time, and make sure you've included everything! If you forget
something, that will delay your child's application.
Here are some more tips to remember when applying to college:
- Pay attention to deadlines. Most colleges have deadlines in the fall and spring.
The earlier you send things in, the better!
- Early decision means your child's application is due by November, and your child can
only apply to that college.
- Visit the college. Go on a campus tour. Visit the college
together and ask questions.
- Retake tests. If your child doesn't get a high score, retake
the SAT. The college will take your child's highest score.
- Practice for the interview. Get tips from your child's
vocational rehabilitation counselor . Find out what types of questions your child will be asked.
And if your child will need an interpreter or assistive listening device, let the interviewer know ahead of
time. Make sure your child dresses nice, and gets there on time the day of the interview!
Next: Paying for College.
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