Private Colleges

Whenever possible, use the CommonApp website to apply.

Private college application fees vary.

You'll need letters of recommendation so plan for this NOW. Counselors and teachers do not work over the 3 weeks of Winter Break. Your app may not be due until January, but ask for letters of rec before November 30th.

Fee waivers are based on your parents’ income. To see if you qualify for a fee waiver, you need to show Mrs. Galaviz in the College & Career Center the most recent copy of your parents’ income tax returns. Receiving free or reduced lunch at RHS does not automatically qualify you for a fee waiver.

Make sure to complete the 2022-2023 application for all private colleges.

Make sure you use your legal name.

Always use proper punctuation and capitalization.

Private colleges require a transcript and a Mid-Year Report after you complete the 1st semester of your senior year and your counselor will send it for you for free.

If you’re accepted to a private college, you’ll need to send your final transcript to the college in June. To do this you’ll need to create a Parchment account and send it through this third party service.

The ACT/SAT is not being required at most private colleges, but check with the private colleges you’re applying to to be sure.

After applying, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to set up your online portal with every private college you applied to. Set up your portal right away and check it often for instructions.