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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.
Click on the images.
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Can't visit a college campus? Check out these online campus tours...
Campus Reels
Student-Led, Real-Life Tours
The College Tour is a TV series, and each episode tells the story of a single college through the lens of its student.
360-degree virtual tours of over 1300 campuses
Two-Year Colleges
2-Year College Map
(Click on a college name to find out what areas of study/programs are offered at each school)
Community Colleges Across the U.S.
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.
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Washington State
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College
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Early Action Admissions
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Final Admissions Deadline
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General Scholarship Applications Due
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Common App
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SAT/ACT Test Optional
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Western Washington University
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Nov. 1
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Jan. 31
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Jan. 31
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X
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Not Considered
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University of Washington
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Nov. 15
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X
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Not Required
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Whitworth
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Nov. 15
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Mar. 1
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Feb. 15
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X
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X
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Gonzaga
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Dec. 1
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Feb. 1
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Jan. 1
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X
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X
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Washington State University
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Jan. 31
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X
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X
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Eastern Washington University
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Feb. 1
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Feb. 1
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X
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Not Considered
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SCC/SFCC
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Rolling Admissions
(Aug. 30 Fall Quarter)
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Mid-March
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Central Washington University
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Mar. 1
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X
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X
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The Evergreen State College
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Dec. 1
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Rolling admissions
(Sept. 1 Fall Quarter)
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Mar. 1
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X
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X
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Out of State
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College
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Early Action Admissions
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Final Admissions Deadline
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General Scholarship Applications Due
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Common App
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SAT/ACT Test Optional
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Boise State University
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Dec. 15
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Dec. 15;
WUE Tuition Exchange
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Idaho State University
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Rolling Admissions
(Aug. 1 Fall Quarter)
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WUE Tuition Exchange
Apply by June 1
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Required for scholarships
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University of Idaho, Moscow
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Rolling Admissions
(July 1 Fall Quarter)
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WUE Tuition Exchange
Apply by Dec. 1
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X
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Encouraged; Required if GPA below 2.5
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Montana State University, Bozeman
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Rolling admissions
(July 1 Fall Quarter)
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WUE Tuition Exchange
Apply by Jan. 3
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X
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University of Montana, Missoula
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Rolling admissions (Housing app by April 1)
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WUE Tuition Exchange
Apply by Dec. 1
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X
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X
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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.
Common Application Guide for First-Time Students
2022-23 Common App Prompts
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.
2022-23 Coalition App Prompts
Need Help Writing Your Essays? Here are Some Great Resources!
Crafting an Unforgettable College Admissions Essay
35+ Best College Essay Tips From College Application Experts
How to Write a College Essay Step-by-Step: The Ultimate Guide
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?