College Path Checklist

The college search can be a challenge. But with a little planning, it also can be a rewarding journey and a springboard to independence. The following checklist can help keep you on track.

Your sophomore and junior years

✓ Keep challenging yourself in high school.

This shows admissions counselors what you’re capable of achieving in college. So, keep pushing yourself, and do your best! 

At Augustana, doing our best means supporting and challenging you to become your best and brightest for a world that needs you, with mentors to show you the way.

We may not be the only college with 100+ academic programs, 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, 160 campus activities and career-building experiences in a cool location. But we are the only college with this particularly supportive community that will keep opening doors so you can keep exploring what fascinates you.

✓ If you can, take the ACT or SAT early. But if you can't, don't worry!

More and more schools have test-optional applications. This means they will consider test scores only if you submit them, and otherwise, your high school achievements can speak for you. Some schools are test-blind, which means they don’t look at ACT or SAT scores at all.

If you do take one of both of the tests, taking them earlier can help your final scores if you choose to re-take them. 

Test scores have always been just part of how Augustana evaluates candidates for admission. We also look at choice of classes, co-curricular activities, recommendations, personal interview, etc. If you prefer that we consider everything except your test scores, no worries—you can apply test-optional. 

To hear about it from a student blogger, check out Blogustana: “What it’s like to apply test optional.” 

✓ Explore a variety of schools.

School websites, social media and mailings are some ways to learn more. You also can compare schools by using independent sites such as Cappex, Niche or U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges or Best Value Schools. 

Check out large and small schools, public and private, near and far, urban and rural. A variety of options will help you to truly find the best college for you.

From Augustana’s academic programs and impressive rankings and recognition, to Augie Choice, CORE and a stunning campus, we aim to inspire the best in you. (Augie students often say that when they first stepped onto campus, they couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.) 

✓ Get an idea of costs.

Many colleges have tools to help you estimate costs. For example, Augustana’s Merit Scholarship Estimator can help you estimate scholarships you can receive, and the federal Net Price Calculator provides an early estimate of what you can expect to pay. 

As a matter of fact, after all scholarships are accounted for, Augustana families may find the final net cost to be surprisingly low and comparable to flagship public universities. See “Complete the FAFSA and Apply for Scholarships” in the senior section below.

✓ Visit, connect and make a shortlist!

Once you’ve narrowed your list, plan some campus visits. This is still the most important part of the college search, because it is the only way you’ll know if a college feels right for you.

Later, when reviewing applications, many colleges will consider how you’ve expressed interest in them — so it would be wise to connect with admissions offices through visits and interviews.

At Augustana, you can create your own visit experience and connect with the Augie community through a combination of live, virtual and in-person events. Just by taking part in a small-group or individual tour, you can be eligible for a Campus Visit Grant of $4,000 ($1,000 each year at Augustana)!

And meeting one-on-one with a counselor is a great way to introduce yourself and get a feel for the place and the people at Augustana.

Your senior year

✓ Apply early to your top-choice colleges.

Most colleges will encourage you to apply as early as possible, and most applications are available online beginning Aug. 1. This helps colleges see how the incoming classes are shaping up, and helps you better plan for your future. 

Students apply to Augustana using one of a variety of options and timelines. Early Decision and Early Action have a Nov. 1 application deadline, so you can receive your admission decision before the holidays, and capitalize on the confidence of a decision well made.

✓ Make sure all application materials are in.

Your application is only part of the documentation colleges will need. Before reviewing your application, they also will need your official transcript(s), test scores and other items.

When applying to Augustana, you can check the status of your application at any time to see which required materials have been received and which are still out there.

✓ Complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans and work-study programs. Schools also may offer scholarships based on academic achievement, talent, program of interest and financial need, based on the FAFSA. The new, simplified FAFSA will be available in Dec. 2023.

Scholarships and grants make Augustana affordable, and 100% of accepted students receive financial aid. Once families receive their award packages, they’re often surprised to see the actual cost at Augie, compared with large state universities. Our bold new Augustana Possible financial aid program is a game-changer for students and families. See Financial Aid and Scholarships.

✓ Submit a deposit to confirm your enrollment.

Once you’ve been accepted, it’s time to submit your tuition deposit. When choosing a college, students usually consider factors such as program of interest, campus life, exciting opportunities and student success. Incoming classes can fill up fast, so it’s wise to secure your place as soon as possible.

Students choose Augustana for the academic programs, connections with faculty mentors, small classes with big opportunities, and a community that inspires confidence and curiosity. Through Augie Choice, all students can receive up to $2,000 for a research or creative project, internship or study abroad.