Important Testing Announcement

  • As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things for our students. One of the major changes is to college applications and the use of standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) in this process.

    While our Arizona public universities have been “test-optional” (students could choose to submit scores but weren’t required to do so) for many years, most of their scholarship programs and Honors Colleges were not. This has changed for the Class of 2021 and SAT/ACT scores are no longer required for these programs either. Here are some useful links to school-specific information:

    For students applying out-of-state, the overwhelming majority of college admission offices and scholarship organizations have also removed their testing requirement. Instead, higher education institutions are sending the following message: if you happen to already have a test score from Spring 2020 that you think is a good representation of your ability, send it. If not, or if you have been unable to test, please do not risk yours or anyone else’s health to take an exam for us.

    As a result, students without test scores will not be penalized, disadvantaged or have additional requirements to complete their applications.  The list of colleges in this category can be found here. Please contact the appropriate admissions office directly if you have questions.

College Applications

  • In-State Public Universities

    For a list of schools who are test-optional either due to COVID or as part of their holistic review, click here

    1. Complete University Application Online

    ALL OF SENIOR YEAR

    Applying to any of the three in-state public universities is completed directly online using Naviance. The in-state colleges do not distribute nor does Corona maintain paper applications in the counseling office. An application fee will be charged, so you should have a credit card handy. Students eligible for the Free/ Reduced Lunch Program may be able to obtain a college application fee waiver. Visit your Counselor for more details.
     
    Students applying for admission to the Honors College at either NAU or U of A need only complete the general university application, while those applying to Barrett, the Honors College on the ASU campus must complete both the general ASU application and the Barrett Honors College application.

    2. Send High School Transcript to the University

    INITIAL: FALL OF SENIOR YEAR FINAL: END OF SENIOR YEAR

    Initial transcripts, showing all coursework completed through to the end of junior year and listing courses in progress during senior year, are self reported in the fall of senior year to any and all colleges to which you are applying. The final transcript is requested near the end of senior year, and only for the university you are going to attend. All transcripts to be sent to the Arizona public universities must be requested through the student's Naviance account.

    3. Explore and Apply for Financial Aid

    SCHOLARSHIPS: JUNIOR AND SENIOR YEARS FAFSA: OPENS OCT. 1 OF SENIOR YEAR

    Visit the scholarship page in Naviance or click here for more resources

    4. Transfer College Credits Earned at Corona (if applicable)

    END OF SENIOR YEAR

    Once you have been admitted and have made the decision to attend a specific university, you should forward to that university any and all community college transcripts and/or AP exam scores to transfer your college credits earned while attending high school. if applicable. If you registered for, paid for, and successfully completed one or more dual enrollment courses while attending Corona, be sure to send your Maricopa Community College transcript(s) to the university. In July, your AP scores will be sent automatically to the college you identified when taking the exams; however, if you did not identify the university or switched to a different college, you will need to send them using CollegeBoard's AP Score Reporting Services. If you did not earn college credits while attending Corona, skip these steps.

    Out-of-State, Private, and Other Universities

    For a list of schools who are test-optional either due to COVID or as part of their holistic review, click here

    1. Explore College Requirements and Apply Online

    FALL OF SENIOR YEAR

    Because each college or university sets its own admissions criteria and application process, you will need to visit their websites to learn the steps you need to follow to apply. Start with a basic Google search (or use any other search engine). Once you have found the college's website, research the admissions requirements and application process. Some use their own process, so just be sure to follow the steps carefully and use their website as your hub. Be aware that several universities require the submission of essays and letters of recommendation.
     

    Many colleges use the Common Application or, less frequently, Send.Edu for admissions. Use the links provided on their websites or use those on the right. Be careful that you are using the process that they outline. Do not assume that they use either of these application processes if they do not mention it on their site. Follow their directions closely! Generally, all applications carry a fee, which you pay online with a credit card. Students eligible for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program may be able to obtain a college application fee waiver. Visit your guidance counselor for more details.

    2. Ask Counselor and Teachers for Letters of Recommendation

    MINIMUM OF THREE WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR EARLIEST APPLICATION DEADLINE!

    Often, you may need to submit letters of recommendation from your counselor and two or so teachers as part of your application. If so, be sure to speak with these people who will be helping you. Do not just list them online and assume they are aware of your plans. It is important to those who are writing on your behalf that you to submit to them an academic resume, listing your scholastic accomplishments, sports, activities, leadership positions, community service projects, and employment history. Letters of recommendation should be requested through Naviance. For a step-by-step guide on how to make requests, click here.

    3. Send High School Transcript (if not already completed)

    INITIAL: FALL OF SENIOR YEAR FINAL: END OF SENIOR YEAR

    If your application included a School Report from your counselor (such as the Common Application or Send.Edu), your counselor will upload your transcript for you. However, if your application does not require direct action from your counselor, you will need to send your Corona transcript yourself. Initial transcripts, showing all coursework completed through to the end of junior year and listing courses in progress during senior year, are sent in the fall of senior year. The final transcript is requested near the end of senior year, and only for the university you are going to attend. Sending of transcripts is requested through Naviance.

    4. Transfer College Credits Earned at Corona (if applicable)

    END OF SENIOR YEAR

    Once you have been admitted and have made the decision to attend a specific university, you should forward to that university any and all community college transcripts and/or AP exam scores to transfer your college credits earned while attending high school. if applicable. If you registered for, paid for, and successfully completed one or more dual enrollment courses while attending Corona, be sure to send your Maricopa Community College transcript(s) to the university. In July, your AP scores will be sent automatically to the college you identified when taking the exams; however, if you did not identify the university or switched to a different college, you will need to send them using CollegeBoard's AP Score Reporting Services. If you did not earn college credits while attending Corona, skip these steps.

    5. Explore and Apply for Financial Aid

    SCHOLARSHIPS: JUNIOR AND SENIOR YEARS FAFSA: FEBRUARY OF SENIOR YEAR

    1. Search Schools and Programs and Apply Online

    SECOND SEMESTER OF SENIOR YEAR

    If you aren't sure of the community college you wish to attend or the program of study you wish to pursue, start by investigating the many options on the Maricopa Community Colleges' website. Once you have decided, just complete the online application for your community college.

    2. Arrange to take the Placement Tests at the College

    SECOND SEMESTER OF SENIOR YEAR

    Local community colleges do not require ACT or SAT scores for admission but do need scores from general placement tests in order to match you with the appropriate course levels in English and Mathematics. Although low scores will not prevent you from attending the community college, they may mean that you need to start in lower-level courses, some of which do not carry college credit. Therefore, it is important that you do your best on the test to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities. Contact to college directly to arrange for a testing date and time.

    3. Send High School Transcript to the Community College

    INITIAL: JANUARY OF SENIOR YEAR FINAL: END OF SENIOR YEAR

    Initial transcripts, showing all coursework completed through to the end of junior year and listing courses in progress during senior year, are sent in January to any and all colleges to which you are applying. The final transcript is requested near the end of senior year, and only for the community college you are going to attend. All such transcripts must be requested through Naviance.

    4. Explore and Apply for Financial Aid

    SCHOLARSHIPS: JUNIOR AND SENIOR YEARS FAFSA: FEBRUARY OF SENIOR YEAR

    Visit the scholarship page in Naviance or click here for more resources

    5. Transfer College Credits Earned at Corona (if applicable)

    END OF SENIOR YEAR

    Once you have been admitted and have made the decision to attend a specific community college, you should forward to that university any and all community college transcripts and/or AP exam scores to transfer your college credits earned while attending high school. if applicable. If you registered for, paid for, and successfully completed one or more dual enrollment courses while attending Corona, be sure to send your Maricopa Community College transcript(s) to the college you are attending. In July, your AP scores will be sent automatically to the college you identified when taking the exams; however, if you did not identify the university or switched to a different college, you will need to send them using CollegeBoard's AP Score Reporting Services. If you did not earn college credits while attending Corona, skip these steps.