College Application Procedures

The Counseling Department sends out supporting documents for students’ college applications. Please click this link for Transcript Request Form Procedures and links your counselor’s transcript request form.

The Transcript Request Form will ask you to confirm the following:

•  I have matched my Common Application Account with my Naviance account. Click here for instructions.
• I have completed the Counselor Recommendation Info Sheet found in the “About Me” > “Surveys from your School” section of Naviance for my counselor letter of recommendation. Also, I have reminded my parents to complete the Parent Perspective Form.
•  I have sent my counselor a copy of my student resume.
• I understand that test scores have to be sent by me to the colleges/universities I am applying to by sending my scores officially through my CollegeBoard or ACT account.

*Please refer to the Common App Tip Sheet for answers to commonly asked questions about Data Input.

College admission representatives from more than 100 colleges visit TZHS to offer information and answer any questions students may have. Participating in these events is an opportunity to connect with the person who will likely be reading your application. Find visit dates on Naviance under What’s New.

Complete applications should include:

• Your transcript (which includes a list of senior year courses)
• School counselor and teacher letters of recommendation
• Fall semester senior grades (sent in January)
• Final transcript
• Completed application and fees
• Required essays
• Test scores (SAT and/or ACT)

College Admissions Criteria

While colleges usually look at the whole person, also known as a “holistic approach,” when making their decision among thousands of applicants, the academic background is the most important factor. College admissions criteria include the following:

1. High school academic record, which includes the following information:

• Strength of courseload (rigor)
• Final grades in each course
• Three-year high school weighted grade point average (computed at the end of junior year)

2. SAT and/or ACT Scores, if required

3. Senior mid-year grades (automatically mailed to schools at the end of the second quarter)

4. Application essay(s) and/or personal statement

5. Recommendations from teachers and school counselor, who can speak to special qualities which may not be reflected in grades.

6. Extracurricular activities pursued in school or outside which demonstrate talents such as musical, athletic or leadership skills; community service; employment; and interest-specific summer experience can weigh quite heavily. Commitment and depth of involvement in a small number of activities are more important than superficial involvement in a large number of different activities.

7. Personal interview may conducted either on-campus or locally by an alumnus, if offered. It is increasingly rare that interviews are conducted.

8. Alumni or legacy status may tip the balance at certain schools when all else seems equal.