The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid form opened early this year! It’s important to fill out your FAFSA completely and early to ensure that you get the most aid possible.  

If you need to submit yours, this video is a step-by-step guide from Kaitlyn Goslinga, University of the Pacific’s senior assistant director of financial aid. 

Follow the walkthrough below for some tips as you fill out your FAFSA form.  

Logging in to FAFSA

Start by navigating to FAFSA’s website, where you can either create an account or log in. Once you’ve done that, you can start or continue your FAFSA form from the main page.  

It then asks you whether you, the student, or your parent will start the form. Goslinga recommends that you begin, which is the most streamlined way to take on the process. Next, the FAFSA form provides you with some videos to answer common questions.  

After that, the form asks you questions about personal, contact and residential information. Either confirm it’s correct or fill in the data as needed. 

Finally, you’ll come to a big page of text. This page is where you give consent for the IRS to disclose federal tax information to help you complete the FAFSA form. You must hit “approve” on this page to be considered eligible for federal student aid.  

Once you give your consent, FAFSA will import financial information from your 2024 tax return. 

Section one – Personal circumstances

The first section of FAFSA includes questions about your personal circumstances, which determines the types of federal student aid you’re eligible for.  

The questions will ask for information like your marital status, background and other unusual circumstances. It uses that to determine whether you’re considered an independent or dependent student.  

If you’re considered a dependent student, meaning you rely on a parent for financial support, then they must contribute to your FAFSA form.  

Section two – Demographics

The next section asks you demographic questions about your identity and family circumstances. These questions do not affect your student aid eligibility. This information is only used for research purposes.  

Section four – Finances

When you start this section, have your 2024 tax return and other personal financial information handy! You need that information about the following questions.  

If you did not work or file taxes in 2024 enter the number 0 on any questions about your tax return, which indicates that those questions do not apply.  

The form also asks questions about your personal assets, like money in checking accounts or the net worth of your investments. Enter your personal assets, not your parents’. If you are a dependent, they will submit that information on their own form.

Section four – Colleges and career schools

In this section, indicate which colleges and career schools should receive your FAFSA information. You can select colleges through a school code, if you have it, or by location.  

You can add up to 20 schools to this list. Even if you’re not certain if you’ll apply to a school, you should include it. You can also add or remove schools after submitting FAFSA.  

Section five – Invite a parent as a contributor

If you are a dependent student, you need to invite a legal parent as a contributor on the form. A legal parent, for FAFSA, is either a biological or adoptive one.  

If you’re not certain who counts, the form links to a tool that helps you figure out who should participate in your FAFSA form.  

Enter your parents’ email to invite them. You only need to invite one parent. They can invite another contributor if needed.  

Section six – Sign and submit

Before you sign your FAFSA form, you have an opportunity to review your answers. Take your time and make sure everything is correct!  

Once you confirm everything is correct, continue to the final page. There, you can sign to confirm that the form is accurate. Make sure you read and understand everything before you sign!  

And you’re all done! Once your contributor completes their section, they can submit your form. You can track the status of your FAFSA form through your account on the FAFSA website. 

The Department of Education should process your form within a few days. Once it’s processed, you’ll get an email with your Student Aid Index and a summary of the information provided. It will also send the form to the schools you selected.  

Learn more about financial aid on Pacific’s financial aid website.

Únete a la escritora de contenido multicultural de la Universidad del Pacífico, Lorena Becerra, mientras te guía paso a paso a través del formulario FAFSA 2026-27. Lorena cubrirá los documentos que necesitarás: tuyos y tus padres, qué esperar cuando completes el formulario y qué sucede después de enviarlo.

Obtén más información sobre la ayuda financiera en Pacific.

Federal financial aid isn’t just grants and loans. When you get your financial aid offer letter, you may see that you’ve received a Federal Work-Study award.  

This award is different from other financial aid because it has an extra step: you have to get an eligible, part-time job. To help you get the full value of your offer letter, this blog post guides you through the process of how to find one.  

What is Federal Work-Study?

Unlike other forms of student aid, you do not directly receive money from a Federal Work-Study award. You earn the money through an eligible part-time job, either on- or off-campus. 

Not all jobs qualify for the award, and it doesn’t guarantee you a job. You need to apply, interview and be hired for a work-study position to receive the money through a regular paycheck. Your pay is intended for everyday expenses like off-campus housing, food, transportation or school supplies.  

When your university or a company offers a work-study job, it can only hire someone with the award. You can also look for positions that are relevant to your interests or studies.  

“There are many different departments you can work for on campus,” says University of the Pacific Director of Career Services Bailey Gutierrez. “Work-Study jobs allow for you to gain experience that will help strengthen your resume.  

Similar to grants, you do not need to pay back any of the money you earn. 

Who is eligible for Federal Work-Study?

Federal Work-Study awards are need-based aid. After you’re accepted into a university, your school uses your FAFSA to determine how much federal aid you’re eligible for and gives you that information in your offer letter.  

Your Federal Work-Study award is determined each year after you submit your FAFSA. How much you receive depends on factors such as:  

• Your level of financial need
• When you submit your FAFSA
• Your school’s amount of work-study funding

When you submit your FAFSA after your first year, your work-study earnings do not count against you when schools calculate your aid.  

Similar to other financial aid, you need to make satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving Federal Work-Study awards. What that means depends on the university, but it generally requires you to maintain a certain GPA, earn a passing grade in most classes and make progress toward your degree.  

How much does work-study pay? 

Your Federal Work-Study award is the upper limit of how much you can earn each year through your job, but your hourly pay varies. You earn at least minimum wage, but some positions may pay above that rate.  

How much you earn also depends on how many hours you work. You work with your employer to set a schedule that does not interfere with your classes and does not exceed your award amount.  

How do I find work-study jobs?

The first place to look is your university’s Career Services Center. Advisers can help you understand where your university and other employers post work-study jobs, often an online job board.  

As an example, Pacific exclusively uses Handshake and encourages employers to post their work-study jobs there, too. The platform clearly marks work-study jobs, so they’re easy to spot among on-campus positions.  

Your university may also host job fairs that promote on-campus or part-time jobs. Gutierrez recommends you go and actually meet your potential employers.  

“Even if you’ve already applied to a position, if you know that department’s going to be there, go introduce yourself and make a first impression,” she says. 

If you plan to get a work-study job, you should keep an eye on your university’s job board and other opportunities. Federal Work-Study awards do fund your position, but do not guarantee you a job. The earlier you start, the better.  

Even if your university mostly uses an online job board, you should still drop by your Career Services center. It has other resources to help you spruce up your resume and prepare for an interview.  

“We’re happy to help you,” says Gutierrez. “We can walk you through how to navigate the Handshake platform and apply for work-study positions. Career Services can also help you develop or edit your resume, ensuring you present yourself at your best.”  

Student creativity is woven into everyday life at University of the Pacific. Many music ensembles are open to anyone, music major or not. Pacific’s gallery and stages host student work, and cultural festivals connect campus to the wider world.  

Here’s a look at how you’re immersed in arts in culture on campus. You may even find a way to show off your own work.  

Campus stages and galleries 

Whether you’re viewing a student exhibit at the Reynolds Gallery or watching a performance at Faye Spanos Concert Hall, Pacific has spaces where creativity thrives. All across campus, there is no shortage of ways to engage with art.  

Weekly films and speakers

Film lovers have lots of choices with weekly screenings of independent, classic and international films throughout the academic year, plus special guest lectures and premiere nights for student-made work.

Student musicals

Student musicals at Pacific’s Faye Spanos Theatre bring together performers, musicians, designers and crew from across campus to create vibrant productions that showcase both talent and collaboration. Recent productions include “Brigadoon,” “Camelot” and “Into the Woods.”

Student and faculty art exhibitions

The Reynolds Gallery is more than a place to view art—it’s a space where students expand their perspectives and sharpen their visual literacy. Changing exhibitions throughout the year immerse visitors in diverse media and ideas, while selections from Pacific’s permanent collection enrich everyday campus life. Always free and open to the public, the gallery connects students to art in ways that deepen their education and sense of place in the cultural landscape.

Culture around every corner 

Art lives in surprising corners of Pacific’s campus, from murals brightening walkways to impromptu performances that spark connection.

Campus murals

Student-created murals bring color and creativity to some of Pacific’s most recognizable spaces. On the Jeannette Powell Art Center, large-scale works turn blank walls into vibrant canvases that showcase the talent of Pacific artists. The DeRosa University Center, the heart of student life, also features a striking mural that welcomes visitors with bold design and student perspective. Each piece was envisioned, designed, and painted by students, making the murals not only artistic landmarks but also lasting contributions to the cultural identity of the campus.

Powell Art Collection

Robert and Jeannette Powell, Pacific’s largest donors, gifted over 20 works of art that can be found in spaces on all three of Pacific’s campuses in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco. The collection is the centerpiece of Pacific’s permanent collection and features works from Ruth Rippon, Jasper Johns, Richard Diebenkorn, Frank Lobdel and more American artists.

Campus culture

Your turn on stage 

Not a music major? No problem. Pacific offers ensembles, choirs and jam sessions that welcome students from every background, proving you can make music no matter what your major is. 

Pacific Pep Band

Pacific Pep band is for anyone, even non music majors, no audition required! You can even get payed to play at campus events all year-round.  

Mariachi band

Your front-row seat to Pacific’s campus arts and culture

Mariachi is offered as both a class and ensemble through the conservatory, open to students of any major with prior experience on violin, trumpet, guitar vihuela or guitarrón.

Originating from the western Mexican state of Jalisco in the mid-1800s, mariachi blends indigenous and European sounds and stands as a vibrant symbol of Mexican culture.

Festivals and traditions 

Listen to drums shake the air at the Diwali festival, watch lanterns glow for Lunar New Year and see the campus come alive at the block party. From first gatherings to traditional festivals, these moments blend joy, culture and community.  

Diwali festival

Diwali, also known as The Festival of Lights, is a very important Indian religious holiday that symbolizes the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. 

Latinx Heritage Month

Your front-row seat to Pacific’s campus arts and culture

Pacific’s Latinx Heritage Month celebrates the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. 

The festivities feature events from students, faculty, staff and alumni groups that showcase Latinx history and culture.

Black History Month

Black History Month at Pacific offers students high-profile speakers and a diverse lineup of events. Through events, performances, and conversations, students see how the creativity, leadership, and achievements of Black changemakers continue to shape our communities and the world. In 2025 the university welcomed actor, Giancarlo Esposito who spoke about embracing the various aspects of his bi-racial and acting identities and discussed how loving what you do for a living can help launch a successful career.

Lavender Graduation

Lavender Graduation is a supplemental graduation ceremony intended to recognize the accomplishments of students who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or have been involved in the LGBTQ+ community during their time at Pacific.

Live events

Spotify playlist: Artists who have performed at Pacific

Check out all the artists who’ve performed on campus. 

Ready to jump in? 

You don’t just see art at Pacific, you live it. Whatever you love to do or see, there’s a place for it on campus. Check out Pacific’s events calendar to see the ways you can get involved.  

It’s no secret that graduate school is a big decision and a big commitment—of time, money, and energy. So how do you know if you’re ready? It’s not just about meeting admission requirements. It’s about having a clear understanding of why making this commitment is important to you, whether the timing is right and whether you have the motivation, preparation and support to see it through to completion.

Here are some checklist items that will help you know when you’re ready for grad school:

You have a clear purpose and goal
Earning a graduate degree can have a transformative impact on your life and those you share it with. Whether you wish to advance or gain deeper expertise in your field, change careers or be a positive role model for your family and community, success in graduate school starts with having a clear purpose and goals and developing an informed plan for achieving your them.

You’re intellectually and emotionally prepared
Graduate school is challenging and rigorous, but the truth is that most people who have earned a bachelor’s degree are better prepared to be successful grad school students than they might think. Many of the most successful graduate school students are the same ones who, at one point, had been wrongly led to believe that they weren’t “grad-school” material. If you’re excited about learning at a deeper level, can manage independent work and are ready to contribute to a community of your peers, you may be ready for graduate school.

You’ve explored your options
Being ready means doing your research: comparing program designs and outcomes (graduation and job placement rates), talking to an admission adviser and attending program information sessions (such as those regularly offered at University of the Pacific). When you’ve taken the time to learn what’s out there and what fits your needs, you can make well-informed decisions about the options that will work best for you.

You’ve thought about timing
Whether you’re thinking about starting grad school right after completing your bachelor’s degree or returning several years later, there’s no single “right” time to go to graduate school. Being “grad school-ready” often means you’ve made space in your personal and professional life to grow, have the support needed to stay focused and on-track, and you’re excited about what lies ahead. If you’ve been able to check some or all these boxes, giving graduate school a more serious look may be your next step. Schedule a personal chat with one of our graduate advisers who are ready to help you create a graduate school plan that works best for you.

Michael Daly

Name: Maja Dulic ’27 
Majors: Applied economics and finance 
Hometown: Kecskemét, Hungary 
Student-Athlete: Water polo 

Maja Dulic, an international student at Pacific, sharpened her business skills by tackling real-world challenges during her summer internship helping run a program and event center in her hometown in Hungary. A double major in applied economics and finance, Maja chose Pacific for its close-knit classes and rigorous academics that encourage critical thinking. 

With the goal of interning near her hometown, Maja worked with her faculty advisers to secure funding through Pacific’s Nathan Scholars program, which provides economics majors and minors the opportunity to earn academic credit and a stipend while gaining first-hand experience in professional settings. Thanks to the program, Maja worked in a financial and operational role at Tanyacsárda Ltd., a restaurant and program center nestled in the countryside just outside her hometown. 

“I wanted to find something close to home so I could stay near my family. I searched in my local neighborhood and came across Tanyacsárda Ltd,” Maja said. “They were really interested and excited about the opportunity to have someone studying in the U.S. intern with them.” 

An internship with range and responsibility 

Maja says the program center offered her a wide range of responsibilities across departments and gave her a holistic view of operations. She managed the company’s online presence and ensured that their website and social media platforms were running smoothly. Maja also supported the finance team, where she was able to apply the skills she gained as an economics and finance major. 

“I assisted with financial tasks and got a first-hand look at the company’s accounting systems,” Maja said. “It was really insightful to compare those processes to what I had learned in school, and I gained a much deeper understanding of financial operations in a real-world context.” 

Maja says working with the restaurant’s economic and financial director was one of her internship highlights. She collaborated with him to analyze data and apply it to strategic decisions that boosted revenue and efficiency. Drawing on her economics education, Maja applied data-driven thinking by analyzing situations, adapting in real time, and transforming theory into action.  

She gained a behind-the-scenes view of daily operations through handling phone calls, responding to customer questions, and drafting proposals for group bookings and events.  

In addition to gaining valuable business operations experience, Maja also welcomed the chance to meet customers and practice her English with visiting tourists. 

“Every day was a learning opportunity,” she said. “Having multiple roles at this job has helped me discover so much about patience and practice. It takes a lot of teamwork and communication.” 

From classroom theory to career-ready confidence 

Before exercising her skills in her internship, Maja gained the practical knowledge she needed for the internship through her coursework at Pacific. 

“The classes I took gave me practical knowledge I could apply during the internship, especially in understanding business operations, decision-making, and analyzing real-world situations,” Maja said. 

Pairing her applied economics major with a finance degree ended up being a powerful combination. Economics gave her the analytical tools to understand the ‘why’ behind market trends and policy decisions, while finance taught her how to apply that knowledge to make smart financial choices, manage risk, and create value in real-world business settings. 

“In economics, we’re always looking at real-world problems, understanding situations, analyzing causes, and searching for practical solutions. That mindset has taught me to think critically and make smarter decisions in everyday life,” Maja said. “By adding my finance studies to that foundation, I not only understand the bigger picture but also know how to apply it, whether it’s making sound investments, managing risk, or saving wisely for the future.” 

Advice for students 

“You learn how to act and to carry yourself in a workplace, which is so important before graduating and entering the real world,” Maja said. “Every connection you make and every challenge you face will help shape who you become.” 

Maja says the first step of finding a position towards your career goals can be the hardest, but it is one of the most important. She sees an internship not as a brief job but as a glimpse into your future career. 

Even before you apply to college, you have a lot of decisions to make: choosing where to apply, how to apply and when to apply.  

To make it easier for you, this article walks you through everything you need to know about each choice, so you can make it with confidence. Or, if you’re ready to get started, check out this step-by-step guide to college applications.  

Choose your schools

The first step is to make a list of the schools where you want to apply. The key here is to find the best schools for you. There are plenty of lists that rank colleges, but only you know exactly what you want from your college experience. So, think about what you want and use that to find colleges that fit you.  

Here are some questions you can ask yourself before you start: 

• What do I want to study? Does this college have a good degree program for that? Name recognition isn’t everything. When you’re researching a college, investigate your specific degree program. Is the school known for that area of study? Do the professors seem like a good fit for you?
• How much does this school cost? Does that make sense for my career path? Colleges and universities are required to provide the cost of attendance, which is an estimated total cost to attend that institution for a year. This includes tuition, fees, housing, food, educational materials and other related expenses.   
  • Any financial aid like loans, grants or scholarships offsets the cost of your education. The Department of Education has a Federal Student Aid Estimator that can give you an idea of how much aid you can expect from the government.   
• Is it a large (or small) school? A college’s size has no inherent advantage or disadvantage, but it does offer trade-offs. If getting to know your professors is important to you, for example, then a smaller college might be better.   
• What kind of extracurricular activities are available? Consider what kinds of clubs, professional organizations, Greek life or volunteer work you’re interested in and whether that college offers that.   
• How far from home do I want to be? Do you want to visit somewhere completely new, or do you want to be able to go home relatively easily?   
• What kind of academic support is available? Most schools offer some form of tutoring, but it’s useful to know exactly what kinds of help it can offer. You never know when you’ll need help with a class!  
• What does its career services center offer? Similar to tutoring, most colleges can assist your search for a job or internship. Look into what services it offers, like resume help, career advising or interview preparation.   
• What housing options are available? How long can you live in campus housing? If you do have to move off campus, what is the housing market like nearby?   

A college may not tick all your boxes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should exclude it from your list. Use these questions to home in on schools that are likely a good fit for you.   

How many colleges you include in this list is up to you and how many applications you want to submit. College Board recommends around five to eight applications, ideally giving you several acceptances to choose between.

Decide on application type

Once you’ve made your list, the next step is to apply. There are a few common ways you can apply to college: through the university’s own application, through Common App or by direct admission. Each option has its own benefits.   

The Common App is one of the most-used ways to apply to college and is accepted by over 1,000 colleges. You can use this application to apply to several schools at once, up to a maximum of 20. It saves information that most colleges ask for—like personal information, activities or in-progress coursework—to streamline your applications.   

Despite its popularity, not every school accepts Common App. You may instead need to use a school’s institutional application, which you can find on its website. Universities may offer additional benefits, such as waiving your application fee if you attend an open house or campus tour.  

While colleges can offer some benefits for institutional applications, they do not give preferential treatment based on application alone.  

Direct admission, on the other hand, is a relatively new way to get into college. Colleges like Pacific provide certain requirements, usually academic, to partner companies including Niche and Common App. If you meet those requirements when you create an account with those companies, you get an automatic offer of admission.  

You can still apply with a traditional application if you aren’t offered direct admission. 

Even if a school has direct admission, there may be some degree programs there that do not accept direct admission. These are typically majors with extra requirements for admission, such as an audition. For a more in-depth look at how Niche Direct Admissions works, take a look at this article.

Decide on when to apply

Once you have your college picks, make sure you know the application deadlines for each one. This process can be a little tricky because many colleges offer more than one type of admission, which each have their own pros and cons. The most common are Regular Decision, Early Action and Early Decision.   

Early Decision is a good option for your top-choice school, because it’s a binding commitment to attend that college if admitted. It shows that you’re really committed to going there, which can give your application a bump. If you apply through Early Decision, be absolutely certain that it’s where you want to be.   

Early Action, on the other hand, is not binding. You can apply to more than one school through early action, which means you’ll have more time to compare your acceptances based on things like financial aid packages.   

“You get a chance to visit on holiday break or compare your choices a bit longer,” Azarcon says. “There’s a bit more time to compare financial aid packages. So, the biggest advantage of those extra few months is knowing you’ve secured admission, secured the scholarship, getting your merit aid. And you still have until that May 1 deadline.”  

Regular Decision is the most common type of admission, typically due in December or January. While the other two options give you more time to compare your acceptances, Regular Decision gives you more time to polish your application. This can help if you’re busy with school, work, extracurriculars or family commitments.   

Can I submit my college application after the deadline? You should submit your application before the Regular Decision deadline, but you may still have a chance after this date. Some schools accept applications afterward, although at a disadvantage. Pacific, for example, considers applications on a space-available basis. Check a college’s admission page to see if they continue to accept applications.

Applying to college is your chance to showcase who you are—not just as a student, but as a whole person. Your classes, activities and experiences all tell a story about your strengths, interests, and goals. The key is highlighting what makes you unique and how you’ll contribute to a college community. 

So, if you’re feeling stuck, here’s some advice from Stephanie Azarcon, University of the Pacific’s senior assistant director of admission: “Share your uniqueness with our team, so we can understand why you would be a good fit on our campus or in one of our programs.” 

Whatever classes, activities or awards you have, there is something that makes you unique. You have a reason that you’re applying to this program at this college. And the key to your application is to use both to tell the story of why this is the right pathway for you.  

Here is Azarcon’s advice on crafting your application. 

Admission counselors look for personality  

Students sometimes approach college applications like pole vaulting, thinking they need to clear a certain bar of achievement to get in. But colleges look beyond test scores and activities. They want students who will thrive on campus and grow into proud alumni. 

“Genuine interest and also curious students,” says Azarcon. “Those are the ones who stand out. Not just students who are laser-focused on a major, but students who are open to new ideas and excited about being part of a campus community.” 

In other words, you’re not just trying to check boxes. You want to highlight your personality through your interests, your engagement with your community and your willingness to try new things.  

Let your college application tell your whole story

Most colleges and universities review applications holistically. In other words, they want to know who you are as a person. They try to understand your achievements in the context of your personal situation.  

Imagine a student who has a good GPA, but no extracurricular activities because they have a job and help take care of their grandparents. Their application may not seem as competitive at first glance. But if they include those obligations in their application, it demonstrates responsibility and work ethic. Those are good traits in a student.  

You should be as thorough as possible on each section of your application because admissions counselors do read it in detail.  

“At Pacific, we have first and second readers,” Azarcon explains. “We lay our eyes on the full application. I’ll highlight pieces of letters of recommendation or information from the essay. We read these closely.” 

4 tips to make your college application stand out

There’s no magic bullet that guarantees acceptance to college, but there are ways you can improve your chances. 

Take time with your personal statement

Your personal statement helps admission counselors connect the dots on your application and brings all the details together into your story.  

You don’t have to tell the story of your whole life, but it should make your choices or goals clear. The most impactful essays are passionate and unique to you.  

“I like creativity. Something different,” Azarcon says. “I love to walk away feeling that the student was passionate about what they wrote.” 

It’s also important to pay attention to the details, like your grammar. After you’re done, read your essay out loud or have someone else read it. If you apply to multiple schools, take the time to personalize the essay for each application. Azarcon sometimes reads essays addressed to other schools.  

For a more detailed look at good personal statements, read our post “How to write an eye-catching personal statement.” 

Have solid letters of recommendation

Just like your personal statement, a letter of recommendation shows admission counselors who you are and what you’ve done. Your recommender should be someone who knows you well, like a teacher, coach, boss or other mentor figure.  

“I will scour those for helpful information or tidbits about a student. It tells me more about what they’ve overcome. Maybe they got a low grade one semester, and the recommender tells me there was something going on in the family,” Azarcon says.  

If you’re not certain how to ask for a letter of recommendation, here’s an email template and a guide to asking.

Complete every section thoroughly

As you go through each section, make sure you add as much detail as possible. Some students exclude information because they don’t think it will help them get into college, but everything counts!  

Keep in mind, you’re trying to help the admission counselor understand who you are. When you complete the activities section, think beyond sports, volunteering and clubs.  

“You may only have three activities, but that’s OK,” Azarcon says. “Tell us what they are. And don’t discredit family responsibilities. Sometimes you have to be an interpreter for your grandparents or be the driver. Those matter.” 

Take some time to make a list of all your activities so you don’t leave anything out.

Meet early deadlines if you can

Many schools offer early application deadlines, such as Early Action or Early Decision, that can give you a leg up. An early application doesn’t necessarily boost your chances of acceptance—in fact, sometimes it’s better to take more time to work on your application—but you will find out months earlier and that gives you more time to compare schools.  

“You get more time to compare your financial aid packages. Pacific offers your merit aid at acceptance,” Azarcon says. “You have plenty of time to explore campus and even attend an earlier Admitted Student Day.” 

It’s no small feat to apply to college. But your application doesn’t have to be time-consuming. The key is to break it down into small steps, which makes each task more manageable and gives you a better idea of your progress.  

If you’re about to start your applications, this is a step-by-step guide to the process. If you’re still narrowing down your college picks and deciding on application type, check out this article.  

You may have special circumstances, such as being an international student. This article will still be helpful, but there will be additional research for you.

Gather your materials

Your application will be easier if you have all your documents ready to go before you start. These sections are in recommended order but take them on however makes sense for your situation. Remember to keep an eye on your timelines and make sure you have plenty of time to accomplish each task!

Request transcripts

Your high school needs to send your official transcript to each college you’re applying to. Colleges need your transcript to prove that you’re going to graduate, plus your college-level courses and language classes may waive requirements or qualify for credit.   

Inform your high school which colleges you need your transcripts sent to. You can talk to your college counselor, front office or directly to the registrar’s office. Let them know at least two weeks before your application deadline, so they have enough time to submit the document.   

Can an unofficial transcript be used for college applications? You may also have access to your unofficial transcript, typically available online and not certified by your high school. You should not submit this as part of your college application.  

Request letters of recommendation

A letter of recommendation is a great way to help admissions counselors know you better. Your recommender can show how you excel and demonstrate who you are as a person, too.   

“I scour those for info or tidbits about a student, and I include that in my file,” Azarcon says. “It tells me more about what the student has overcome. Maybe they got a lower than normal grade this semester and this letter of recommendation says there was something going on in the family. We can connect the dots behind the scenes.” 

Colleges approach this step in different ways, so you’ll want to check admission guidelines for each school. If a college does not require a letter of recommendation, then you will not be penalized for not including one. A good letter of recommendation can make your application more competitive, though.   

High school teachers and counselors are common choices for recommenders, but you can think creatively about this, too. There may be others who can speak to your achievements, like a mentor, a coach, an employer or other non-family members. 

Ask your recommender well before your application deadline. A good rule of thumb is at least two weeks, but more time never hurts. Your recommender sends their letters directly to the schools you apply to. Pacific’s guide to getting a letter of recommendation can help if you don’t know where to start.

Write application essays

Your personal statement is another chance to set yourself apart, highlighting what you’ve accomplished or overcome. Your essay can tie together your experiences and show why you’re excited about this college and this major.  

“I look for genuine interest and curious students,” Azarcon says. “I like creativity. And I love to walk away feeling like the student was passionate about what they wrote.” 

Applications that require a personal statement include a prompt to give you an idea of what you should address in your writing. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, take a look at Pacific’s guide to crafting a great personal statement.   

If you’re applying to multiple colleges, they may have similar prompts. You should resist the urge to use the exact same statement for each application. You don’t need to start from scratch but retool your writing to be specific for each college. 

Are personal statements on college applications optional? Most colleges require a personal statement, but there are some applications where it is optional. Still, your personal statement is a chance to stand out among other applicants.  

Do colleges check for AI in application essays? College admissions counselors do often check for artificial intelligence in essays. You can certainly use AI for ideas or to double-check your personal statement, but your writing should be your own. The goal is to reflect your story in your own words.

Submit your application

After all your work filling out forms, submitting documents and asking for letters of recommendation, you can submit your application. Keep your deadlines in mind! Most Early Action/Early Decision applications close in November and most Regular Decisions applications close in December but check with your picks for the exact due dates.   

You don’t need to wait for all your materials before you submit your application. Your application will indicate anything that you can submit after sending in your application, like official transcripts, personal statements and letters of recommendation.   

If you realize you’ve made an error or want to change something later, regardless of whether you submitted an instructional or Common App application, contact the school’s admission office to notify them and ask for next steps.  

Pay the college application fee

Finally, there is the college application fee. You generally pay the fee when you submit your application, but some applications may allow you to pay later. Just like your documents, make sure you pay the fee before the deadline! Otherwise, schools may not consider your application complete and will not review it.   

If applicable, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver. Check with your college picks and high school counselors to see if you’re eligible for a waiver.   

Not everyone goes directly into higher education after high school. Some students take a year off to work, travel or just take a break before they start the next chapter. Gap years are a good time to experience new things, but they also come with challenges for college applications.  

You can still apply to college during a gap year, but there are some things you should know, plan for and prepare early on. If you’re in a gap year, here’s some advice from University of the Pacific Director of First-Year Admission Vivian Chan Rendon.  

Pros and cons of a gap year 

Pros 

The good news, if you’re in a gap year, is that your application process is exactly the same as a high school senior. Same requirements, same deadlines and the same review process. You aren’t penalized for gap years.  

You can also use a gap year to build your skills and your resume, through internships, jobs, gap year programs, volunteering and other opportunities. These experiences can help you develop practical and technical abilities that benefit your studies and later career. You may also refine your idea of what you want to study in college.  

It’s important to note that you shouldn’t avoid college just because you’re not entirely sure about a major. Some colleges actually design programs to help students decide and still graduate in four years, like Pacific’s exploratory pathway. 

Cons 

Even though you aren’t penalized for gap years when you apply, there are still some barriers. Some parts of your application, including your letters of recommendation from a teacher, may be harder to get a year after high school.   

Some students also find it difficult to return to a school routine after their gap year.  

“You are in momentum in high school,” Rendon says. “When you’re doing it, you keep that momentum going. But some people, after a gap year or more, lose that momentum and find school harder after they return.”  

In her experience, this loss of momentum can hit students in STEM especially hard. This is especially true if they don’t use that knowledge during their gap year.  

“We find students who take gap years are often rusty in their math and science foundations. So, if you do take that gap year, brush up and keep reading that material. Otherwise, you’ll get rusty and college classes will be harder,” Rendon says.  

Can you apply to college after a gap year? 

You can absolutely still apply to college in a gap year. The process itself is the same, although you should prepare for your applications ahead of time.  

“If we have a student apply to us as a first-year application, it’s basically the same thing,” Rendon says. “We look at them the same way, so there’s nothing special they need to do.” 

There are two ways you could take a gap year 

Deferred admission 

If you get accepted into college during high school, you may be able to defer your admission for a semester or a year. But there are limits. Each university has its own rules about deferral, so you should understand those first.  

A deferral keeps your admission offer and major choice in place. You won’t need to reapply or resend transcripts. However, you will need to submit a new FAFSA if you want financial aid. 

“The scholarship won’t change,” Rendon says, about Pacific. “It’s merit and based on your high school performance. But financial aid is different. That’s based on the FAFSA, so that’s the main change.” 

There is a limit to how long you can defer, usually up to one school year later. After that, you’ll need to reapply as a new student.  

Apply during a gap year

The other option is to apply during your gap year. Your application is treated no differently than someone who applies during high school, but you should still prepare beforehand.  

To better understand the application process, here’s a step-by-step guide. Get a record of your unofficial transcripts, any standardized test scores and all your activities. You need to provide that information when you apply.  

If you plan to submit a letter of recommendation—which is not required at all colleges—you should ask for it while you’re in high school or maintain that relationship during your gap year. Recommenders write better letters when they remember you and your work well.  

In your application, you may also want to explain your gap year in your personal statement or in a supporting document. It may not boost your application, but an explanation can help a college understand how the break fits into your goal.  

“That additional information lets us know when we evaluate them, but doesn’t necessarily make them stronger,” Rendon says. “We evaluate them in the same way.” 

You can still apply after a gap year 

A gap year changes your timeline, but it doesn’t close the door on college. You can still apply like any other student but remember to prepare ahead of time and keep up that momentum.