There’s more than one way to apply to college. You’re probably already familiar with Common App, and each college has its own institutional application. There’s also another method that’s been introduced in the past few years: direct admission.  

Direct admission is a little different from these other options. It’s designed to be a faster method of application, cutting out application fees, personal essays and letters of recommendation.  

And, most importantly, you find out if you’ve been accepted to a school on the spot. That eliminates months of waiting and gives you more time to compare the schools where you’ve been accepted.  

To help you understand how this method differs from traditional applications, this article walks you through the ins and outs of direct admission, the companies that offer it and what to do if you aren’t accepted into your favorite pick.  

What does direct admission mean?

The process for direct admission depends on the organization. But whether you’re using Niche Direct Admissions or Common App Direct Admissions, the underlying idea is the same.  

University of the Pacific’s Senior Assistant Director of Admission Stephanie Azarcon likens the process to a speed dating service. 

“It’s basically a matching system. The college is looking for a match, and the student is looking for a match,” she says. 

When a university partners with a direct admission organization, it provides a set of criteria that it wants in a student. These criteria vary based on university but can be as simple as a minimum GPA.  

When you create either an account or application through a direct admission platform, you provide demographic, personal and academic information. If you meet the criteria set by a college, the platform will let you know that you qualify for acceptance there and gives you next steps. It’s as simple as that.  

Because you know early that you’re accepted, you have more time to compare your options and figure out which university is the right option for you. Plus, imagine the peace of mind of knowing that you’re already in while you shop. 

“There’s no application fee, no essay required and no letters of recommendation,” Azarcon says. “The main thing is, it saves you that application fee. If you’re applying to a handful of schools, that adds up. It could equal a trip to campus to check out the school or go toward a laptop when you enroll.” 

Can I get into any major through direct admission? A participating university may not offer direct admission for all its majors. A general rule of thumb: if the program requires an interview, an audition or a similar extra step, it likely does not accept students through direct admission. If you’re uncertain, reach out to that university’s admission office. 

Are direct admission acceptances binding? No, you don’t have to attend a school that offers you admission. Even once you start your next steps, you can still commit to another university without consequence.  

What if I provided incorrect information on my direct admission account? It’s very important that you provide accurate information. Double check everything or ask someone you trust to make sure everything is correct. Incorrect information may lead a university to retract its offer. 

“One thing I always remind students is that, if you’re a 3.2 GPA student, put that in. Don’t embellish your GPA. If we get your documents and your GPA is well below what you stated, you may not be offered admission,” Azarcon says. 

If you accidentally provide incorrect information and receive acceptance, reach out to that university’s admissions office to correct the error.  

Do I miss out on opportunities given to students who apply through traditional methods? No. Once you move to your next steps, you’re treated like any other student. Keep an eye out for other scholarships or programming that you can apply for as an applicant. 

Direct admission is not the same as automatic admission

Some universities, typically state schools, offer automatic admission to applicants who meet a benchmark of high academic achievement. The key difference is that you need to apply through a traditional method at that particular school first, at which point the university flags eligible students for automatic admission. 

Common App Direct Admissions

Common App Direct Admissions is one of the easiest ways to use this method, because you’re automatically considered when you apply on that platform. The key thing to know is that Common App Direct Admissions are offered to first-generation, low- and middle-income applicants.  

If Common App identifies you as part of those populations when you apply, it automatically matches you with participating schools whose criteria you meet. You’ll find your offers in the direct admission section of your Common App.  

Pacific only accepts Common App Direct Admissions from students based in California. Another bonus: If you’re offered admission through this method, Pacific waives your application fee. 

Niche Direct Admissions

Niche Direct Admissions is available to everybody, regardless of background. When you create an account, you provide basic information about yourself and your academic background, indicate which universities interest you and the platform instantly tells you where you qualify for acceptance.  

The platform also recommends other universities where you qualify for acceptance, which gives you a chance to look at schools you haven’t considered or heard of before.  

Niche Direct Admissions to Pacific 

There’s an added benefit to Niche: It also indicates the merit-based financial aid you’re eligible for at Pacific. That’s a tentative number until Pacific creates your financial aid package (after you’ve completed your next steps for acceptance), but that helps you better estimate what you will actually pay for school. 

Keep in mind, you may also be eligible for further need-based financial aid. That’s why it’s important to submit your FAFSA. 

Nearly all majors are eligible for direct admission at Pacific, except for most music, dental hygiene and pre-dentistry programs. 

What to know if you don’t get a direct admission offer

If you don’t get a direct admission offer to your top pick, that’s OK. Keep in mind that not all universities participate in direct admission programs. Double-check that your top pick partners with that direct admission organization.  

You can also still apply through a traditional method, either the Common App or an institutional application. Although it is more leg work, your personal essay, letters of recommendation and other requirements help you. They build your narrative of why you’re a great applicant for that school.  

Direct admission is a streamlined tool to help you get instant answers, but it’s just one tool at your disposal. You may instantly get into your dream school. Or it can provide the security of an acceptance while you apply to a stretch school.

If you plan to transfer to a new university, keep in mind that every college does things its own way. Professors design courses according to the standards of their own university, which may be different from another school’s.  

When you transfer, your new school looks at your transcripts (and your grades) and decides what coursework meets its standards. It then applies that course credit to your degree. The more credits you bring, the closer you are to your degree. That means you save time and money, too.  

So, if you want to transfer—whether you’re a community college student, a returning student or a four-year college student—then you should plan to make sure you can take as many credits with you as possible.  

Here are some things you should know about the process, so you can make an informed and confident decision when you transfer.  

How to start your transfer

Wherever you are in your transfer process, here’s one tip from University of the Pacific Director of Transfer Admission Channon Rosencrans: Talk to the school you’re interested in.  

“As soon as you’ve identified the school, go meet with them,” Rosencrans says. “As soon as they reach out to us, we help them with everything they need to know about the transfer process.” 

It’s never too early to speak with a transfer counselor. They can help you understand the process at that particular university and make sure you’ve checked all your boxes. 

It’s also worthwhile to review a university’s transfer credit policy, typically found on its website. These offer important guidance on grade minimums, credit transfer maximums, quarter-to-semester conversions and similar information.  

Course articulation

Course articulation is the process in which a university decides an external course is equivalent to one of its own courses.  

Universities may develop articulation agreements with other institutions, typically community colleges, that guarantee certain courses will transfer. That’s a huge boon for planning courseloads at your current school.  

If the university you’re interested in doesn’t have an articulation agreement with your institution, speak with your transfer counselor. They may be able to offer guidance on course selection.  

“At Pacific, the easiest way is to follow the transfer pattern for the UC system. We’re a bit more lenient, so if you follow that transfer process, then you’re meeting our requirements as well,” Rosencrans says about California General Education Transfer Curriculum, better known as Cal-GETC. 

Even though universities differ, there are a few common factors they use to determine whether credits transfer:  

• Accreditation: Certain organizations recognized by the Department of Education can grant accreditation to universities that meet their quality standards. Typically, universities only accept credit from other accredited schools.
• Course equivalency: A course needs to be similar in content and level of rigor.
• Grade requirements: You typically need a minimum grade of “C” for a course’s credit to transfer to your university.

Unit caps

You can only bring so many credits to a new university. Review your university’s transfer credit policy or speak with a transfer counselor for guidance on your situation.  

At Pacific, for example, community college students can bring up to 70 units. After that, courses can still satisfy content requirements but will not count toward your minimum units needed for graduation.  

Major requirements and transfer pathways

Some universities offer transfer pathways to make the process easier. Think of them as a roadmap to help you graduate on time.  

These pathways include recommendations for lower-division or pre-requisite courses that ensure you have a similar knowledge base and standing as a four-year student at that university. 

Pacific groups its transfer pathways by college or school. Find out which college your desired major is housed in, then check the dropdown menu for more information, tips and recommendations.  

No transfer pathway for your major? You can still speak with a transfer counselor and apply through the normal channels. 

Tools

There are some tools that help you take the guesswork out of credit transfers. If you use one, keep in mind that these are unofficial evaluations. In other words, the system gives you the best answer it can, but that is not a guarantee.  

California college students can use ASSIST to find articulation agreements between their current institution and other universities.  

The university you’re interested in may have its own tools, too. Pacific, for example, partners with EdVisorly to provide an easy-to-use system to get an idea of which credits will transfer. All you have to do is provide your current institution, then upload a photo of your transcript.  

Common transfer student questions

Does GPA transfer from community college to university? 

No, your GPA does not transfer. When you start at a new university, only your grades there count toward your GPA in its system. That being said, your past GPA is still important for acceptance, scholarships and other things.  

Do transfer students get financial aid? 

The short answer is yes. As long as you file an updated FAFSA, you can receive financial aid after you transfer to a new university. However, you should speak with the financial aid department at your university to ask questions about your situation.  

At Pacific, all transfer students in eligible programs are automatically reviewed for merit scholarships after they submit an application.  

Do college credits expire? 

Technically, no. Once you’ve earned college credit, it’s yours forever. That’s only part of the story, though.  

If you’re a returning student, your field of study may have evolved since you were in school. So, a university may decide a course you took, which may once have articulated is now out-of-date and therefore no longer matches the rigor of current courses.  

If you’re uncertain about any of your courses, this is a good question to ask a transfer counselor.  

Where can I learn about the transfer student experience?  

Here are some other blog articles you can read to learn more. 

What university is right for you? 

It’s OK if you don’t have an answer just yet; you don’t need to rush your decision. But if you’re about to start applications, you do need to narrow your choices into a manageable list.  

There are thousands of colleges in the U.S., so it’s not an easy decision. To help you figure out which is right for you, here’s a list of factors to help guide your search. You can find a lot of information online, but you can also schedule a campus tour to ask college staff directly. 

Stick around to the end, where you can find a college comparison worksheet with a suggested system to help narrow down your list. 

Academic offering and flexibility

The most important thing about a college is the quality and breadth of its academic programs. When you start your college search, consider the majors and minors you want to pursue. Assess those degree programs at each school, its reputation for that study, the professors in those departments and the classes you need to take.  

You may change your major during college. According to the National Center for Education Studies, most university students change theirs at least once, so you should look at how each school handles that.  

Here are a few other things to consider:

• Examine how the university integrates interdisciplinary practices into your education. That means you learn from more than one field of study, which prepares you to tackle real-world issues with a broad perspective and skill set. It may look like interdisciplinary majors, double majors or other options to customize your education.
• An education helps you launch a career, so you want your university to bridge the step between school and a job. Look for hands-on learning, whether that’s research or internship opportunities, senior projects or even on-campus clubs.
• When you apply to schools, you should include some you’re almost certain to get in to, some you’re likely to get into and some ideal stretch schools. Compare the requirements for admission to your situation.  

Financial considerations

The second big question is: how much does it cost to attend this university?  

All colleges and universities provide cost of attendance online, which is the estimated total cost to attend that institution for a year. Your financial aid offsets this cost. While you can compare financial aid offer letters from schools, you only get those after you’re accepted. 

Some other things to consider:  

• You don’t have to shoulder the sticker price of a school by yourself. There are outside scholarships but look at what the university itself offers. Examine the kinds of merit-based scholarships it offers and the kinds of grants you can apply for.
• You may want to get a job while you’re in school. Consider what on-campus jobs are available. You could also look at what’s available at businesses surrounding the school.  
• You need a place to live while you study. Look into on- and off-campus housing options, how much it costs and whether there’s a lot of competition for it.  
• Where will you eat in college? Compare how much you pay for the meal plan and what you get.

Location, campus culture and student life

You don’t spend all your time in the classroom. Investigate what day-to-day life is like on campus, the organizations you can join, the activities you can do and where you can go. You live on or near campus for years, so you want to go to a university that feels like home.  

The first big consideration is where the college is located, which has a big impact on your experience. You may want to visit home on the weekend, or you may be itching to live somewhere completely new. A campus tour can help you decide whether the locale is right for you.  

Keep in mind that your university is also your home for four years. Student life is created by the students who attend that university, so it can be hard to describe. But, when you research or go on a campus tour, here are some factors to consider:

• The size of the student body
• The student clubs, Greek life and other on-campus organizations
• The events that are held each quarter/semester or year
• How the university supports a diverse student population
• The kinds of hang-out or study spots are available

Support services and resources

Everyone needs help from time to time, whether it’s for class or your wellbeing. Take some time to investigate the services the university offers you. It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. 

Look up the university’s student support services office and what it offers you. Tutoring, resources for those with disabilities and the kinds of digital learning tools available.  

It’s important to have access to good health care when you’re at school, too. Look into the options you have for health care or mental health services on or near campus.  

Career preparation and outcomes

A university education is your first step toward a career. Look for schools that prepare you for the job market with robust career services, opportunities to connect with employers or internship programs. 

Most universities have career services centers, so you can compare the services you have access to. Look for resume reviews, ways to improve your interview skills and similar resources. Colleges may also organize networking opportunities or job fairs to help you get your foot in the door.  

If you’re interested in a career that requires specialized graduate studies, like medicine or law, see if the university helps you prepare for that pathway. If it has a graduate program in the field you’re interested in, find out how the university helps you take that next step. 

College comparison worksheet

When you start your search, you have a huge list of colleges to choose from. It can be time consuming to research each one, so here’s a method to narrow your list down to a manageable set of choices. 

You can either make a copy of this worksheet or download it as an excel file. It has several questions you can ask to quickly eliminate colleges that don’t meet important criteria for you. Once you have your shorter list, you can dive deeply into each one. 

Keep in mind, this is just a recommended method. If there’s a university that you really want to go to and it doesn’t make the cut, include it in your list. You know your priorities best. 

If you are starting to think about college, you might be wondering whether you should take the PSAT, or even what it is. The PSAT, otherwise known as the Preliminary SAT, is a standardized test administered by the College Board that serves as practice for the SAT.

The PSAT is more than just practice; it can help you get ready for college. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Prepares you for the SAT. The PSAT gives you experience with timed math, reading and writing questions so you know what to expect on the SAT.
• Opens scholarship opportunities. Some colleges require SAT scores, and strong scores can boost your chances for merit scholarships. Practicing with the PSAT helps you get there.
• Qualifies you for big awards. If you take the PSAT in your junior year and score high, you could be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship.
• Shows what to work on. Your score report highlights strengths and areas to improve so you can focus before taking the SAT.
• Helps set goals. The PSAT can guide you in setting a realistic target score for the SAT and tracking your progress.

What is the PSAT’s role in college admissions?

The PSAT does not have a direct role in your college application process, but the whole story is a little more complicated. Most colleges, including Pacific, are test-optional and accept SAT scores only if you wish to provide them. If you have a high SAT score, often there is a better chance you will be accepted into the college you apply to.

While the PSAT does not predict academic success in particular subjects, it is a great way to predict possible SAT scores, as it is the practice test for the SAT. The PSAT is slightly easier than the SAT, though both tests assess the same core skills. The main reasons for the PSAT’s lower difficulty are that it’s intended as a practice test, its scoring rang is lower and includes fewer difficult questions. The PSAT is scored on a scale of 320-1520 and the SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600. According to College Board, 10% of SAT test takers get a score of 1350 or higher, though this can vary slightly year to year according to College Board. 

Taking the PSAT will give you practice for the SAT and help you identify where you should focus when you prepare for the SAT.

“It allows you to see where your strong suits are in case you are certain you want to take the SAT,” said Danny Ramirez, senior assistant director of admission at University of the Pacific.

When you receive your results, you can see what you need to improve on and push yourself to get better at that subject. Some cost-effective options for preparation for the PSAT are free practice tests from College Board, online resources including Khan Academy and tutoring.

Among the different ways to prepare for college, the PSAT ranks low, because it is practice for the SAT and will not be directly reflected on your college application. College admissions counselors focus on things such as GPA, courses taken, extracurricular activities and your personal statement. And it can be risky to overemphasize preparation for the PSAT because it can be expensive and cause stress. Nevertheless, the PSAT is a useful and low-stakes tool to prepare for the SAT and college, and it provides you with a chance of winning a National Merit Scholarship.

What impact do PSAT scores have on financial aid possibilities?

Getting a high score on the PSAT can impact your financial aid possibilities. For example, if you take the PSAT in your junior year of high school and get a high score, you will be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship program, which offers more perks than just money.

“It opens up a lot of doors,” Ramirez said. “Being able to receive a scholarship like that, or just being a contender for it, allows you to network. And in some cases, College Board will send this information to universities that look for specific scores from the SAT. So, it will give you more exposure and a lot more opportunities for different scholarships, which makes college much more accessible.”

You must take the PSAT in your junior year of high school to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. If you make it to the final high score selection, you will have to submit essays, transcripts and recommendations to be considered for the scholarship. If you are finally selected, you will be eligible for $2,500 from the National Merit Scholarship program as well as several additional scholarships.

Who should take the PSAT?

Ramirez suggests anyone planning to take the SAT should consider taking the PSAT first, as it provides good practice. The PSAT can be especially helpful for first-generation students. “It gives you exposure to the test taking process,” Ramirez said.

When do you take the PSAT?

Generally, it is recommended that students take the PSAT in the fall of their junior year in high school, though it is possible to take the test earlier. To be eligible for the National Merit scholarship, you need to take the qualifying test during your junior year. College Board recommends you take the SAT during the spring of your junior year and again in fall of your senior year if you want to improve your score.

How to take the PSAT

You register through your high school to take the PSAT. Talk to your counselor at the end of your sophomore or beginning of your junior year to see what the registration process is and how to pay the testing fee.

The PSAT is taken on a computer, but you can’t do it at home. You’ll need to go to your school or another approved testing site with a proctor. Check the dates ahead of time so you don’t miss out. Test dates may only be available once or twice, even if the testing window lasts a whole month. Test scores are typically available four to six weeks after you take the test. If you missed the opportunity to take the PSAT during your junior year of high school, you can still take the SAT during your senior year of high school.

Why take the PSAT?

Overall, students take the PSAT to learn what taking the SAT will be like, to see where they are academically and what they need to work on before taking the SAT. It can also be helpful in gaining financial aid for college.

“At the end of the day by taking the PSAT, you have nothing to lose,” Ramirez said. “Most universities are test-optional, whatever SAT score you get, it allows you to see where you need to work, but it’s not going to make or break your acceptance into college. So have fun with it.” 

Pacific is a test-optional school and does not require applicants to take the. However, you may choose to submit your scores if you believe they will strengthen your application. 

Learn more about applying to University of the Pacific.

College is your home for years. While it’s most important to choose one that matches your education and career goals, you also want to enjoy student life and culture. The best way to learn that is to see campus for yourself.  

Campus tours are a great way to get a feel for a university. You can learn a lot from its website and brochures, but your tour guide can give you more in-depth information, talk about their experiences as a student and answer your questions.  

“It allows you to have an experience you wouldn’t get elsewhere. You get to see campus, meet the people and actually see what it would be like if you were a student,” says  University of the Pacific Director of Campus Tours Andrew Merenda.  

Whether you’ve just gotten started or are deep in applications, now is a good time to schedule a campus tour. To get you started, here are some of Merenda’s tour tips.  

When to start visiting colleges

The earlier you start, the better. You have more time to visit schools and learn about each one without the pressure of an impending college decision. But don’t fret if you’re already hard at work on your applications.  

“Whatever point you are in your college search, it’s never too early or too late to take a campus tour,” Merenda says.  

It’s always a good time to schedule a tour, but there are advantages to an early start. You have time to visit more campuses, which helps you understand the impact of a campus’ culture and location.  

For example, you might visit a rural college and find a strong student life but few off-campus activities. After that, you go to an urban college where students do a lot in the city but aren’t very involved on campus. If you prefer one or the other, you can narrow your list of schools to apply to.  

The other major benefit is that you have time for a repeat tour. Merenda recommends returning to campuses that you’re highly interested in. As you learn more about college, you’ll develop sharper questions to ask tour guides. 

“That’s the best way to get your questions answered,” Merenda says. “In the moment, you’re on campus and think, ‘OK, I feel confident.’ But when you’re further along in the application process, you may realize you need to know more. We’d love to have you back as many times as you want to come.” 

Questions to ask on a campus tour

A campus tour is your chance to see how a university stands out. They’re often designed to answer commonly asked questions, but you should still bring a list of your own. Think about things that are important to you, like on-campus jobs, internship opportunities or student life.  

Keep in mind that tours are typically led by students who can give you great insight into the day-to-day life at that university.  

“This is someone who is going to be your peer, someone who has the experience and who’s already done what you’re going through,” Merenda says. “Get their opinion on the food at the dining hall or what each dorm is like. You can’t really get that anywhere else.” 

If you’re not sure what to ask about, here are some ideas:  

• How did they find community on campus?
• What are some of their favorite things to eat in the dining hall?
  • You can also ask about whether they have allergen-free options.
• What kinds of on-campus jobs are available?
• What off-campus places do they recommend visiting to get something to eat, have fun or just hang out?
• What is their major and what classes are they taking this semester/quarter?
  • While your guide may not be an expert on all academic programs, they will know their own. Even if you aren’t interested in their field of study, you can learn about extracurricular classes and how they feel about their department.
• What do they do for fun on and off campus?

Open house vs. campus tour

A university open house is another great way to learn about a school. While campus tours give you a brief window into college life, these events dedicate the entire day to incoming or potential students like yourself.  

Each university does open houses its own way. But they typically include a campus and dorm tour, a financial aid information session and other highlights. You may get a chance to speak with students or professors from majors you’re interested in.  

“You get to do more in the same day,” Merenda says. “You get a little taste of Pacific. You get to try the food, the same food dining staff prepare for actual students. You get to meet other future Tigers, or at least people who are going through the same college search.” 

Open houses introduce you to a lot, but schools only host them once or twice each application season. You need to plan ahead to make sure you can attend. Campus tours, on the other hand, are available whenever it’s convenient for you.  

If you’re really interested in a school, there’s no reason that you can’t attend both! As you spend more time on college campuses, you develop a better sense of what’s important for your educational desires and goals.  

What to wear on a college tour

You do a lot of walking when you visit a campus. Tours typically last about an hour, and some students like to stay and explore on their own afterward. So, when it comes to clothing, Merenda has one big rule.  

“You’re going to get your steps in, so I do recommend comfortable walking shoes,” he says.  

Dress appropriately for the weather and a long walk. Other than that, you don’t need to worry too much! 

“Come as you are,” Merenda says. “You’re our guest.” 

Wherever you are on your journey, it’s always a good time to schedule a tour at Pacific.  

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.

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.”  

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.