College Prep and Research

Choosing where to attend college, whether it is a four-year, two-year or vocational school, is an exciting and daunting task.

Use the resources provided on this page to learn about institutions, both in-state and across the country, so that you can narrow down your list and find the school of your dreams.

Here are some great websites to help you compare schools.

Best Colleges in America
BigFuture by College Board
College Score Card
College Essay Guy

Can't visit a college campus? Check out these online campus tours

  • Campus Reel
    Student-Led, Real-Life Tours


  • The College Tour
    The College Tour is a TV series, and each episode tells the story of a single college through the lens of its student.


  • eCampus Tours
    360-degree virtual tours of over 1300 campuses

Two-Year Colleges

Important College Admission & Financial Aid Deadlines

Listed below are some important deadlines for "common destination" schools.

Visit college admissions and financial aid webpages for institutions not listed here.

Some colleges provide a general scholarship fund, offering hundreds of awards through one application. If the college(s) on your list offer a general scholarship, it is highly recommended that you apply.

Visit the LHS Educational Institution Scholarship Page for direct links to some General Scholarship Applications.

Washington State

College

Early Action Admissions

Final Admissions Deadline

General Scholarship Applications Due

Common App

SAT/ACT Test Optional

Western Washington University

Nov. 1

Jan. 31

Jan. 31

X

Not Considered

University of Washington

Nov. 15

 

X

Not Required

Whitworth

Nov. 15

Mar. 1

Feb. 15

X

X

Gonzaga

Dec. 1

Feb. 1

Jan. 1

X

X

Washington State University

Jan. 31

 

X

X

Eastern Washington University

Feb. 1

Feb. 1

X

Not Considered

SCC/SFCC

 

Rolling Admissions

(Aug. 30 Fall Quarter)

Mid-March

 

 

Central Washington University

Mar. 1

 

X

X

The Evergreen State College

Dec. 1

Rolling admissions

(Sept. 1 Fall Quarter)

Mar. 1

X

X

Out of State

College

Early Action Admissions

Final Admissions Deadline

General Scholarship Applications Due

Common App

SAT/ACT Test Optional

Boise State University

 

Dec. 15

Dec. 15;

WUE Tuition Exchange

 

 

Idaho State University

 

Rolling Admissions

(Aug. 1 Fall Quarter)

WUE Tuition Exchange

Apply by June 1

 

Required for scholarships

University of Idaho, Moscow

 

Rolling Admissions

(July 1 Fall Quarter)

WUE Tuition Exchange
Apply by Dec. 1

X

Encouraged; Required if GPA below 2.5

Montana State University, Bozeman

 

Rolling admissions

(July 1 Fall Quarter)

WUE Tuition Exchange

Apply by Jan. 3

 

X

University of Montana, Missoula

Rolling admissions (Housing app by April 1)

WUE Tuition Exchange

Apply by Dec. 1

X

X

The Common and Coalition Applications

Many (if not most) college applications require a fee, but don't let a lack of money stop you from applying. See your counselor to find out if you qualify for a fee waiver, and check out this guide to getting and using fee waivers on the Common and Coalition applications.

Start your Common and Coalition Applications before your senior year! 70% of the Coalition Application is made up of the profile section and most of that information can be entered in advance. In addition, you can start drafting your essays early as well (see the prompts below).

By starting early, you will save yourself a lot of stress in the fall of your senior year when life gets very busy, and increase your odds of doing a great job. Click on the links below to learn what you need to do for both applications.

Through the Common App, students can save time applying to multiple colleges by filling out the details that most schools require, including name, address, parental employment and education and extracurricular activities, just one time.

Many colleges that use the Coalition App also accept the Common App, so double-check the colleges to which you are applying to prevent needlessly filling out two different applications.

Need Help Writing Your Essays? Here are Some Great Resources!

Important questions to consider when looking at colleges...

  • What type of majors/certifications are offered?

  • What degree programs are offered?

  • Is it accredited?

  • What are the minimum admission requirements (GPA/tests/essays/letters of recommendation)?

Financial Considerations:

  • How much is the average cost per year? (tuition, books, housing, personal expenses,)

  • What is the average financial aid package offered?

  • What is the graduation rate?

  • What percentage of students complete their program on time?

Student Preferences:

  • Is the environment comfortable for me?

  • What is the student to teacher ratio?

  • How large is the student population?

  • How large is this campus?

  • Do I prefer an urban or rural setting?

  • Do I prefer a particular state? Location?

  • How diverse is this campus population?

  • Is housing offered at this institution? How expensive is it?

  • What type of activities would I like to be involved in?