It’s easy for a student to dive right into a college application (or the Common Application for schools that accept it) without ever closely reading the instructions on the “How to Apply” page. But that’s always a mistake.
Colleges are usually very clear about their application requirements. When’s the deadline? What’s the latest SAT/ACT administration they will still accept? How many letters of recommendation should you send? Is an interview recommended?
When it comes to information like that, don’t rely on a college guidebook. Don’t rely on your friends and neighbors. Don’t rely on what the college did last year (sometimes, requirements change). Instead, visit the website of your colleges of choice and carefully read the directions about when and how to apply.
The college’s own website is the best source of information for application requirements. When in doubt, start there.