College Application Process & Transcript Requests
Penn High School College Application Guide
Applying to college is an exciting step toward life after Penn High School! Whether you’re applying to one college or several, understanding the application process, deadlines, and required documents will help you stay organized and on track.
Every college and university has its own admission requirements and application deadlines. The Penn High School Counseling Center has compiled this guide to help students and families navigate the most common college application procedures, including Common App, Naviance, transcript requests, and SAT/ACT scores.
Step 1: Choose Your College Application Method
Most colleges and universities accept applications electronically. Students typically apply using one of two methods:
Common Application (Common App)
The Common Application is an online college application platform accepted by more than 1,000 colleges and universities.
Common App allows students to complete one general application and submit it to multiple institutions, saving time and reducing duplicate work.
Some colleges may require additional essays, questions, or application materials within Common App.
College-Specific Applications
Some colleges and universities use their own online application instead of, or in addition to, Common App.
Students applying directly to a college should visit the institution’s official website to review its application requirements and deadlines.
Students can also use Naviance to research colleges and determine which application methods they accept.
College Application Fee Waivers
Students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals may also qualify for college application fee waivers.
Fee waivers can be requested through Common App or by contacting the Penn High School Counseling Center.
Step 2: Connect Your College Applications to Naviance
Naviance is an important part of Penn High School’s college application process. Students use Naviance to track their college applications and request official high school transcripts.
The steps for adding colleges to Naviance depend on how students apply.
Watch: How to Add Colleges to Your Naviance Application List
If You’re Applying Directly to a College
Students using a college-specific application should:
- Complete and submit the application through the college’s website.
- Log in to Naviance.
- Add the college to the “Colleges I’m Applying To” list.
- Request an initial transcript through Naviance.
Students may submit college-specific applications as soon as they are complete.
If You’re Applying Through Common App
Important: Students must match their Common App and Naviance accounts before submitting Common App applications.
Follow these steps:
- Create or log in to your Common App account.
- Match your Common App and Naviance accounts.
- Allow your Common App colleges to automatically transfer into your Naviance “Colleges I’m Applying To” list.
- Once the colleges appear in Naviance, request an initial transcript for each school.
- After confirming the accounts are matched and the colleges are listed correctly, begin submitting your Common App applications.
Watch: How to Match Your Common App and Naviance Accounts
Please Note:
- Do NOT manually add Common App colleges to your Naviance application list. They will automatically transfer once the accounts are matched.
- It may take 2–3 days for colleges to appear in Naviance after matching your accounts.
- Confirm that your colleges are correctly listed in Naviance before submitting your Common App applications.
Step 3: Request Your Penn High School Transcript Through Naviance
Colleges typically require an official high school transcript as part of the application process.
Current Penn High School students must request transcripts through Naviance. Penn sends official transcripts electronically to colleges and universities.
Once your colleges appear in the “Colleges I’m Applying To” list, you can request an initial transcript for each institution.
Watch: How to Request Your Transcript Through Naviance
Important Transcript Request Reminders
- Do NOT request school reports through Common App. Your Penn High School counselor will complete the necessary school reports and related documents through Naviance.
- Current Penn High School students should NOT use Parchment to request transcripts.
- Penn High School alumni may continue to request transcripts through Parchment.
Does Penn High School Send Paper Transcripts?
Penn High School sends official transcripts electronically through Naviance and does not routinely mail paper transcripts to colleges.
If a college requires a paper transcript under special circumstances, please contact your school counselor or the Penn High School College and Career Aide for assistance.
Step 4: Submit SAT and ACT Scores
Some colleges and universities require or accept SAT and ACT scores as part of their admission process.
Students should review each college’s current testing requirements to determine whether scores are needed.
Official SAT and ACT scores must be sent directly from the testing organization to the colleges where students are applying.
- SAT Scores – College Board – Access your SAT account and request official score reports.
- ACT Scores – ACT – Access your ACT account and send official scores to colleges.
Penn High School does not send official SAT or ACT score reports on behalf of students.
Questions About College Applications or Transcripts?
We are here to help students and families navigate the college application process.
For assistance with Common App, Naviance, transcript requests, or college admission requirements, please contact a member of the Penn High School Counseling Center Staff.