Need a Form? Find It Here!
How do you apply for college? When?
Learning the ins and out of applying to college can be a challenge, and the process can change a bit every year. That's why PCN has a College Office!
Investigating Colleges |
College Visits |
It's never too early to start learning about different schools and thinking about where you might want to go. School websites offer an easy place to start! Want to know what majors a school offers, or when the application deadline is? What about the campus life and student support systems and organizations? Want to plan a visit? This information and more tends to be on every school's website.
Take a virtual tour! Follow this link the OK College Start page that features virtual tours of many schools: Virtual Tours. Another great resource that allows you to compare colleges is the Big Future website, hosted by College Board. This website allows you to search for colleges and universities by location, campus size, major, and more! And it allows you to compare up to three colleges at a time. https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search |
College Admissions visiting PC North- sign up to see them in the Counseling Office Google Classroom! More colleges book throughout the semester, so check here often.
March OU- March 13th Langston- March 14th UCO- March 27th April Missouri Southern State University- April 4th OU-April 11th Missouri Southern- April 18th |
Applying to College
In general, applications can be found online for each college or university at their website. You will usually be asked to create an account. Mrs. Malahy recommends every student create an email address for college and scholarship applications- something simple with your name that is easy for people to recognize and use.
Sending School Records Sending school records- colleges will ask for school records, including transcripts and ACT scores. Students can easily send records by request. Putnam City now uses Parchment to send transcripts! Students may sign up for a free account on Parchment to request their transcripts be sent to colleges and universities. Order your transcripts here. Letters of Recommendation Some schools and scholarship applications require a student have letters of recommendation- letters from people like teachers, counselors and coaches that speak to the student's academic performance, character, community involvement, and more. Students get these letters by asking people, often faculty, to provide one. The proper way to ask is in person (or, right now, via email), telling the adult what the letter is for (college, scholarship, etc) and giving that person a resume detailing the students academic standing and extracurricular activities. This allows the recommender to write a strong, detailed letter. Students should give recommenders at least 3 weeks notice before any deadlines. For a recommendation letter form required by PCN Counselors, click here |
Make an Appointment with the College Advisor Please email Mrs. Malahy at [email protected] to set up an appointment. She can offer help finding information, guidance on applications and requirements, and someone to listen to your likes, dislikes, and questions!
College Application Fee WaiversMany colleges charge a fee to apply to their school, and these costs can add up! Students utilizing the free or reduced lunch program or facing special circumstances may qualify for an application fee waiver for their college applications.
Apply for College Application Fee Waiver Request a waiver (must be signed into your Putnam City Student Account to access this form): Fee Waiver Form HBCU InformationAre you or your student considering a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)? These colleges offer students a unique experience and outstanding academic opportunities. Our own Langston University is the only Oklahoma HBCU, and the application is free! And, there are more than 100 HBCUs across the nation. Here are some great resources for those interested.
The Common Black College App- apply to over 60 HBCU's with one application and 20.00 application fee! The Hundred Seven- website created by a Howard graduate to celebrate and inform about HBCUs- you can search HBCU listings by major, location, and more! Great article on HBCUs that don't charge out of state tuition- HBCUs without OOS Fees Why HBCU's? Article from UNCF. |
College Entrance Exams
Most colleges and universities require students take a college entrance exam, a national, standardized test designed to help the school gauge college readiness. The two most common exams are the ACT and the SAT.
Schools that are test-optional do not require an exam score, but may still consider them. And, they may require the scores for certain scholarships or specific programs like Honors Colleges.
ACT
Students wanting to take the ACT can sign up at act.org. If you have free or reduced lunch, you qualify for up to four ACT fee waivers. Fill out this form to request a waiver: ACT Waiver Form
ACT offers seven test dates throughout the year, in June, July, September, October, December, February, and April.
All rising seniors should plan on taking a summer or September ACT. This gives you time to evaluate your score and have a baseline, and a score to submit to earlier college applications. Mrs. Malahy always recommends taking the ACT at least twice, as most students will raise their score with more practice. Taking the ACT early in your senior year gives you time to achieve a strong score for college and scholarship applications.
SAT
Students wanting to take the SAT can sign up here with College Board. If you have free or reduced lunch, you qualify for an SAT waiver. Fill out this form to request a waiver: SAT Waiver Form
For students who utilize 504, IEP, and medical plans, accommodations may be available for College Board exams, including the PSAT the SAT. Applying for these accommodations is a parent driven process, however the school can be available to assist families.
Receiving accommodations at school DOES NOT apply a student to or guarantee any or similar accommodations on College Board exams. Interested students and families should contact the Counseling or College Offices to learn more.
Schools that are test-optional do not require an exam score, but may still consider them. And, they may require the scores for certain scholarships or specific programs like Honors Colleges.
ACT
Students wanting to take the ACT can sign up at act.org. If you have free or reduced lunch, you qualify for up to four ACT fee waivers. Fill out this form to request a waiver: ACT Waiver Form
ACT offers seven test dates throughout the year, in June, July, September, October, December, February, and April.
All rising seniors should plan on taking a summer or September ACT. This gives you time to evaluate your score and have a baseline, and a score to submit to earlier college applications. Mrs. Malahy always recommends taking the ACT at least twice, as most students will raise their score with more practice. Taking the ACT early in your senior year gives you time to achieve a strong score for college and scholarship applications.
SAT
Students wanting to take the SAT can sign up here with College Board. If you have free or reduced lunch, you qualify for an SAT waiver. Fill out this form to request a waiver: SAT Waiver Form
For students who utilize 504, IEP, and medical plans, accommodations may be available for College Board exams, including the PSAT the SAT. Applying for these accommodations is a parent driven process, however the school can be available to assist families.
Receiving accommodations at school DOES NOT apply a student to or guarantee any or similar accommodations on College Board exams. Interested students and families should contact the Counseling or College Offices to learn more.