🎉 You’ve Applied! What to Do After Submitting Your U.S. College Applications:

🎉 You’ve Applied! What to Do After Submitting Your U.S. College Applications:

Congratulations! Submitting your college applications is a huge milestone—and you should be proud of how far you’ve come. While the hardest part is over, there are still important post-application steps that can make a real difference in ensuring your application is reviewed smoothly.

Below is a complete checklist of what to do after you hit submit 👇

✅ 1. Send Official Test Scores (If Required)

If you chose to submit test scores, make sure they are sent officially from the testing agency’s website:

• SAT / ACT 

• TOEFL / Duolingo English Test (DET)

Self-reported scores are not always sufficient, even if you entered them in the application. Double-check each school’s policy to confirm whether official scores are required. If there aren’t clear instructions, it is better to send official scores to be safe.

📬 2. Check Your Email & Portals Daily

Within a few days (or weeks), colleges will email you instructions to access their applicant portals.

• Log in to every single university portal

• Confirm your application status is marked as complete

• Watch for missing documents, forms, or updates

• Politely follow up with counselors/teachers if needed

📌 Tip: Add college emails to your safe sender list so nothing goes to spam.

🕰️ 3. Waitlisted or Deferred? Send Updates

If you’re deferred (usually Early → Regular) or waitlisted, don’t panic—this is common.

Some universities allow or encourage a Letter of Continued Interest (LoCI):

• Submission may be through the portal or by email

• Each school has its own rules—check carefully

• Refer to our LoCI Guide for what to include (updates, achievements, continued interest)

A strong, well-timed LoCI can help reinforce your enthusiasm.

💶 4. Prepare Financial Documents

Many U.S. colleges require proof of finances, especially for international applicants.

Be ready to provide:

• A bank statement in English

• Proof that funds are sufficient to cover tuition and living expenses

Some schools request this through their applicant portal.

💰 5. Financial Aid Applicants: FAFSA & CSS Profile

If you applied for financial aid, make sure you’ve completed all required forms:

• FAFSA (for eligible students)

• CSS Profile (required by many private colleges)

Important:

• Each school may have different deadlines

• Some schools require additional institutional forms

Always confirm submission status in each school’s portal & FAFSA website. Some schools may require additional essays for merit-based scholarships.

🤝 6. Be Ready for Alumni Interviews

Some colleges offer or assign alumni interviews as part of the review process.

• Interviews assess communication and interpersonal skills

• Being contacted is often a positive sign

• Not receiving an interview is normal and usually random

• Some schools require video essays – only submit if mandatory or if you’re a confident speaker.

Contact Paschar for a detailed Interview Guide.

❓ FAQ: Documents You Do NOT Need to Send (Yet)

You do NOT need to submit the following unless you are accepted and the school specifically requests them:

• 12th grade AP score reports

• 12th grade second-semester final transcript (or final IB score)

• Supplemental portfolios or papers (unless the school accepts them)

Sending these early is unnecessary and won’t speed up decisions.

🌟 Final Reminder

After applications are submitted, the key is organization, patience, and follow-through. Stay on top of portals, respond promptly to requests, and trust the work you’ve already done.

You’ve taken a major step toward your future: now let the process unfold. 🍀

If you need help with LoCIs, interviews, or decision strategy, we’re here for you.

🗨️http://pf.kakao.com/_Lbcxhj/chat