Applying to College

Steps to Applying to College

Below are typical steps to applying to most colleges:

Step 1) Choose 1-3 colleges that you want to apply to and get familiar with their admission requirements. Decide if you want to complete an Early Application (Early Action or Early Decision) or a Regular Admission Application. Early Applications are typically due by the first of October to the middle of November.

-Early Action is non-binding whereas Early Decision is binding.

-Advantage of being an Early Applicant is the potential of possibly securing better financial aid packages and scholarships offered from your college.

Step 2) Submit your college application(s) and all required documents which will typically include your transcript, class schedule, proof of residency, application fee, application essay, and possibly recommendation letters/references.

-Visit your college admissions webpage to determine if you need to apply directly through their website, Common App, or GA Futures. When applying for admission directly through your chosen post-secondary school, please visit the college's "admissions" page and follow the directions provided for that school. 

-Common App is a common method of applying to a variety of schools in both Georgia (examples are UGA and Georgia State University) and nationwide.  Common App is a non-profit member organization that represents nearly 900 diverse colleges.  This tool connects students to a variety of public and private colleges and universities across all 50 U.S. states and 20 different countries. Visit the Common App website and start your application process.

-Common App Info for Parents/Guardians/Families - Please visit the Family Resources page on Common App to get information on Financial Aid and how to support your student as he/she applies to colleges.

-Common App Info for Students - Get started here to access important documents/resources to assist in your Common App process.

Step 3) Submit your SAT and/or ACT scores directly from CollegeBoard.org and/or ACT.org to BOTH GA Futures (for Zell Miller Scholarship) and the colleges you are applying to. Information on how to register for the SAT and/or ACT can be accessed via the PHS Counseling Webpage.

Step 4) Complete the FAFSA (available Oct. 1st) and GSFAPP (via GA Futures). This is how your college will provide you information regarding your financial aid package.

PHS Profile

Click HERE to access the 2025-26 PHS Profile to assist you with scholarship and/or college applications.

Visiting a College?

All PHS Seniors are allowed to use two "College Visitation Days" during their senior year. Stop by the PHS Counseling Suite to pick up the PHS College Visitation Form that you will need to complete and turn in to be excused for your two college visitation days.

In lieu of on campus college visits, some colleges are hosting virtual information sessions.  Below are some upcoming college meetings (in-person and/or virtual) that you may want to attend:

 ***No current items.***

Georgia Transfer - GAtracs

The GAtracs website offers multiple college credit tools to students who are interested in exploring a variety of opportunities at the colleges and universities in Georgia.  Below are just a few of the tools that GAtracs offers on their website: