It's important for students to understand the role of school counselor in the college application process. In addition to sending transcripts, school counselors may also be responsible for submitting other application materials on behalf of the student, such as letters of recommendation or school profiles. Students should communicate with their school counselor early on in the college application process to ensure that all necessary materials are submitted on time.

At the beginning of college application process transcripts sent to colleges will have 9th, 10th and 11th grade classes and grades and possibly names of courses signed up for 12th grade. Later, some colleges will request for first quarter grades and mid-year grades. At the end of senior year, the counselor should send final transcript to college that the student decided to enroll.

At the end of each year of your high school, carefully review your transcript for any errors in course names, grades, extracurricular clubs or anything else mentioned in the transcript.

Some colleges do not ask for the initial transcript. Instead, the student has to fill out a self-reported academic record (SRAR). Make sure you fill out SRAR exactly to match your transcript.

Some schools report all testing (SAT/ACT) scores on transcript. If this is going to hurt your admission chances, you might want to talk to your school for removing the testing section before it's sent to colleges. Look at your school's profile, to get an idea as to what admission officers will see. 

School counselor is responsible for sending your school profile to colleges. The school profile is an important document that provides context for admissions officers reviewing your application. It helps colleges understand the opportunities and resources available to you at your high school, and how you have taken advantage of them. It typically includes information such as the size of the student body, class size, curriculum offerings, grading system, AP and honors classes offered and academic performance of previous graduating classes.

You can find out about your school's profile as it's usually available on the school website.

The common app also has another form called a school report which your counselor fills and sends. You can see this information within common app. The school report provides additional information about the school's academic and disciplinary policies and confirms that you are in good standing at the school.

You are responsible for sending SAT/ACT and AP test scores to colleges. 

Some schools have a test optional or test blind policy (e.g., WPI and the University of California system)

Test optional - the school will look at your test scores only if you provide them.

Test Blind - the school will not consider your scores at all.

For test optional colleges, submitting strong test scores can still strengthen your application and potentially increase your chances of admission. Additionally, some scholarships and honors programs may require test scores. Therefore, it's a good idea to take standardized tests and submit scores to the schools on your list, unless they have explicitly stated otherwise.

Many schools let self-report scores and some need official scores from college board or ACT. Check the policy for each school on your list and if they need official scores send them as soon as possible. Most schools also let you choose the score you want to send (score choice) and they also super-score between the sections. Some schools need scores for all your SAT/ACT tests - (e.g. Carnegie Mellon and University Of Maryland). While sending scores from college board, you will see the policy mentioned there. Here is list Colleges Requiring All SAT Scores 

None of the schools require official AP Scores, you can self-report them. You can send final official AP scores to college you enroll.

After Spring break of Junior year (April to June), approach your chosen Junior year teachers (2-3 teachers) and ask them if they will be willing to write letter of recommendation. Most colleges need 1 or 2 teacher recommendations. It's best to ask your junior year teachers but there can be exceptions in case you overwhelmingly prefer your sophomore year teacher. Don’t wait to ask a Senior year teacher because they won't know you by the time, they have to write a letter. Definitely ask the teachers that know you well, for e.g., if a teacher teaches you and is also a club advisor or coach and knows you outside of the classroom. Ask one teacher that teaches you the subject that correlates to the major you want to apply for.

It's important to ask your teachers early and give them enough time to write a strong letter. Provide them with your resume, your achievements, and your goals. This will give them a better sense of who you are and what you want to achieve. Provide them with a list of schools you're applying to and the deadline dates. 

Once the teachers agree to write the letter, follow up with them regularly and make sure they have all the information they need. Be polite and respectful throughout the process. After they submit the letter, thank them for their help and keep them updated on your college application process.

Make a list of school clubs, sports, volunteering, summer activities, research, family responsibilities, hobbies etc. Quantify the time and impact these activities have had on you and others.

When describing your activities, emphasize any leadership roles or significant accomplishments, such as organizing events or projects. If you have pursued a particular interest outside of school or created your own activity, be sure to highlight this as well.

Remember, it's not just about the quantity of activities or awards, but the quality and impact they have had on you and those around you. 

List all awards won at school, state, national and in your community. 

The main Common App or coalition app essay is 650 words. Colleges can have their own supplemental essays.

Find out which colleges require it.  Most of your Regular decision schools will want the mid-year report and grades. Make a list of schools that need this report. Add the schools that deferred you to this list. If you are deferred in the early rounds, and you are still interested in the college, then make sure the counselor sends to those colleges too.

You should follow up with your school counselor and let them know which colleges need it.

There is a common app mid-year report, the counselor should provide the student’s mid-year grades (it's also called 1st semester of senior year or 7th semester), cumulative GPA and ranking if applicable.

Some colleges have interviews before or after you apply. You have to schedule these interviews (e.g., Stevens Institute, case western). These are done by the admissions office. This shows demonstrated interest.  For most colleges, interviews are done by the Alumni and not all applied students get an interview. In this case, the interviewer reaches out to the student. These interviews are just a way for the student to get to know about the college and the interviewer to give their feedback. These interviews do not matter a whole lot in the admission process and there is no need to worry if the student does not get contacted for an interview.

It's a good idea to practice answering common interview questions and to dress professionally for the interview. Finally, make sure to follow up with a thank-you note or email to your interviewer to express your appreciation for their time.