Denver Public Schools
Martin Luther King Jr. Early College
College Application Process
College counseling at Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College offers students and parents a wide range of college counseling services. We provide information to students on colleges and universities, scholarships, and financial aid; conduct workshops on essay writing and test preparation; and coordinate tours of colleges. Our counselors provide special attention to each college-bound student throughout the college application process.
Our philosophy and aim is to encourage every student to pursue his or her passion, beginning in middle school. If students have a love for information technology, an interest in a specific pre-professional career, or academic subject, we work with them to find schools that match their preferences. We advise them to become involved in community service, student government, and extra-curricular activities to enrich their overall educational experience in preparation for college.
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Identify the colleges or universities you would like to attend. Discuss your selections with your parents, teachers, and counselor. Visit the school's website, download an on-line application, and if possible meet with the admission officer or visit the campus. Observe all deadlines for each application. The deadline for most private universities and colleges is between mid-December to early January.- Register for the SAT I/II exams and release College Board Scores to the schools of your choice. If satisfied with test results, send those scores to the schools you are applying to immediately.
- Notify your teachers, instructors, or mentors that you would like to request a letter of recommendation from them. Select faculty, staff, or administrators who have personal knowledge of your ability, talents, and gifts. Discuss with them your academic record, extra-curricular interests, and personal ambitions as well. Remember to provide them on a timely fashion with the proper forms as well as appropriately addressed and stamped envelopes.
- Review your school transcript to check for any discrepancies or errors in either course load or grade calculation. Complete a transcript request form for it to be sent to the school(s) of your choice.
- Draft college application essays as early as possible. Have friends, family, teachers, and the college counselor proofread essays. Write in an original and authentic manner, but be concise and direct. Consult your writing instructor or handbooks for tips and suggestions; and attend the Application Writing Workshop at school.
- Ask the college counselor any questions about any part of the college application process you do not understand. If applying to private colleges or universities, submit the Secondary School Report to the counseling office by the first week of November, and hand in all the paperwork for Mid-Year Reports. Remember to bring appropriately addressed and stamped envelopes.
- When sending the completed applications by mail, make sure you have met all deadlines, completed and signed all forms, and sent all required materials. If sending by regular mail- consider sending via certified mail. If you are applying online, avoid doing it at the last minute as servers get crowded and you might experience some technical difficulties which might negatively affect your application process.
- Take initiative. Be responsible. Stay informed. MEET ALL DEADLINES!!!!
Planning Calendar
7th - 8th grade
- Develop interests in the humanities, arts and sciences.
- Cultivate a passion for a particular subject area, hobby, or activity.
- Travel and explore different places.
9th Grade
- Challenge yourself with honors courses in math and other subjects.
- Volunteer outside of school.
- Participate in student government, athletics, clubs or organizations.
10th Grade
- Take the PSAT / NMSQT Test in October.
- Maintain good grades.
- Pursue your passion.
- Take the A.P. Exams or SAT II, if appropriate in May / June.
- Apply for a Social Security Number, if you do not have one.
- Obtain Photo Identification. (Required for taking the SAT).
- Explore summer opportunities (e.g. work, study, travel, test preparation).
- Visit colleges and universities.
11th Grade
- Attend college meetings with college and university representatives at school.
- Develop a college file system.
- Take the PSAT / NMSQT in October.
- Schedule Individual College Meetings with college guidance counselors from January to May.
- Attend Junior Parents College Night.
- Attend local College Fair sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling.
- Consider taking the SAT I / II in May or June.
- Research summer opportunities (e.g. work, study, travel, test preparation).
- Visit colleges and universities.
12th Grade
- Request college applications and catalogs during the summer.
- Create a list of 10 to 15 schools to apply to.
- Visit colleges and universities during the summer.
- Register for SAT I / II and/or ACT tests in August.
- Obtain in-state applications as soon as available.
- Write your college essay in September.
- Attend Senior Parent College Evening in October.
- Request Letters of Recommendation from faculty in November.
- File Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.
- Register for Advance Placement Exams.
- Inform college counselors of all admission decisions by May 1st.
Resources
Tips for Families of College Prep Students
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