• It is never too early to start planning for college. Here is a guide to help with your college application journey.  For a detailed 4 year plan visit our FCHS College Guide.

     

    It is highly recommended that students complete all applications by November 1 of their senior year in order to maximize financial aid and scholarship dollars.

  • The first step you must take in your college journey is figuring out which colleges you want to apply to.  Some things to consider when choosing a college:

    • Does it have the major I want?
    • Location, location, location
    • Do my AP/ACP/Dual Credit course credits transfer?
    • How much does it cost to attend?
    • What social activties/athletics/groups are offered?
    • Do you want to go to a place where you know a lot of people?
    • How likely am I to be admitted?

  • The next step in your college journey is narrowing your college choices and completing the application process.

    You will want to visit or speak with representatives from your schools of choice.  To schedule a college visit, go to the school's website or ask your guidance counselor for assistance.  

    If you decide to take a college visit during a school day, you must complete the College Visitation Form prior to your visit. 

    Once you have finalized your schools of choice, it is time to start applying.  Generally, you can apply one of two ways:

    • Common Application- An application database which allows you to simultaneously apply to many colleges/universities throughout the state and nation.
    • If your desired school is not on the Common Application, visit the college/ university website and follow their application process and request an official transcript to be sent to that college/university through Parchment.  For information on how to use Parchment, click here.

     

  • After you apply, you will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to April 15 of a studentล› senior year. 

    The form does not open until October 1 each school year.  FCHS partners with various groups to host FAFSA Completion Nights each year.  For more information about the application process click here or contact your studentล› guidance counselor.

  • The final step in the process is to decide where you are going to attend post high school.

    Make your decision carefully and consider pros and cons from your final choices. You do not need to notify other colleges/universities to which you were admitted that you will not be attending, but it is a nice gesture.