Seniors of the class of 2026 are beginning their journey into adulthood; along that journey, students have to complete the college application process. The process for many is stressful, terrifying, and yet exciting. But what do HHS seniors think of the process, and what changes would they like to see done? Luckily for seniors, Colorado Free Application Week takes place from October 7th to the 9th.
With Colorado’s free college admissions day, students are able to apply to all 32 public colleges and five private colleges. Some of those colleges include all CU campuses, Colorado School of Mines, CSU (Fort Collins, Pueblo, and Global), MSU, and UNC, to name a few. The 5 private campuses include Colorado Christian University, Colorado College, Regis University, University of Denver, and Naropa University.
The only true requirement that students will need to have for free application day is having residency within the state. Students who are worried about submitting specific details will be able to submit their supporting details, like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays, later.
Common App is an app used for college admissions. Students are able to input the information they believe will be important for college admissions. This also allows students to apply to the Colorado colleges today. Dylan Blanton ‘26 believes, “ I think it’s pretty useful, even though the Common App is very stressful. It’s nice that all your resources are available, but I wish they were all in one place. Which would make it easier to find specific documents, but at least most of it is in one spot.”
James Bagshaw ‘26 says, “I think the Common App is, overall, a good thing to organize all the college applications for people who are going to more prestigious schools. Unfortunately, some schools remove requirements such as SAT scores and a letter of recommendation from their application process. Students work so hard to achieve certain things in high school, just to have those achievements not really matter for most public colleges.”
Additionally, students should be able to apply with SCOIR as well, for many of their accounts were previously set up. Scoir helps students build college lists and apply to colleges via its platform. To students who don’t know the difference between the SCOIR and the Common App. The difference is that SCOIR is primarily a college planning and management tool used by high schools, counselors, students, and parents. While Common App is the application platform that students use to submit their applications themselves.
For students who need assistance with their accounts, act fast since this is the last day you’ll be able to apply for free. Also, students may see their counselors and the post-grad to assist with any problems or concerns they may have.