It’s hard to believe, but college application deadlines are right around the corner! Here at Pacific, first-year applications have two submission deadlines: Early Action applications are due by November 15 and Regular Decision applications are due on January 15.
Before you hit submit on your application, we’ve put together a quick explainer on how to apply to college and a checklist to guide you through the process.
How to apply
There are two ways to submit your application to Pacific: the Pacific Admission Application and the Common App. Each method has its own benefits and things to know before filling out and submitting your application.
Pacific Application
The Pacific Admission Application is a streamlined way for first-year students to complete their applications to Pacific in just one sitting. To complete the Pacific Admission Application, follow these three simple steps:
- Fill in the form on the first page with your personal information. Then, click continue.
- On the next page, Application Management, click “Start an Application” to begin.
- Answer a few quick questions about your academics, your plans for college and your extracurriculars/accomplishments. You can also upload your personal statement on the spot, or you can complete and send it to us later. Hit save and continue.
- On the final page, review your application details and complete your agreement. Then, click submit. Pacific will then set up an account for you and notify you about next steps, including how to submit your transcripts and other documents.
The Common App
You can also apply to Pacific through the Common App, an online college application platform that allows you to submit a standard application form for multiple colleges and universities.
For this method, you’ll need to create an account on the Common App website, then follow a few quick steps to apply to Pacific:
- Once you’ve created your Common App account, use the College Search tab to search for University of the Pacific.
- Add Pacific to your “My Colleges” list by clicking the “Add to My Colleges” button on the information page.
- Complete the Common Application, a series of common questions that apply to all schools on your list. This is also where you will submit your personal statement.
- Go to your Dashboard to view application requirements for Pacific and keep track of your application status. Complete all supplemental requirements for your Pacific application as shown on your Dashboard.
- Once you have completed all application requirements, hit the “Review and Submit” button. Make sure your information is accurate, then submit!
Pro-tip: The Common App has a great application guide for first-year students with tips and video tutorials on its website.
Application Checklist: Tips for Success
You can reference this list throughout the application process to make sure you aren’t missing any key steps. We recommend bookmarking this page so you can pull it up as you’re completing your application.
- Keep track of deadlines. Pacific’s application deadlines are November 15 and January 15 — mark them on your calendar and set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget.
- Request letter of recommendation (optional). Make sure to give your recommender plenty of time to write your letter — and don’t forget to send a thank you note.
- Make sure your transcripts are sent. Make sure to talk to your high school counselor about your application deadlines to ensure your transcripts are sent to Pacific in a timely manner.
- Gather your materials. Before getting ready to fill out your online application, make sure you have everything you need on hand, including:
– A copy of your high school transcript to report your grades and current courses
– A list of your extracurricular activities, work or volunteer experiences, awards and honors
– SAT or ACT scores if you have them (Pacific is test optional)
– Family information, including your parents’ occupations, employment status and level of education - Read application questions and instructions carefully. Make sure to go through each question carefully and take your time while answering so you don’t miss important details.
- Take plenty of time on your personal statement. Your essay is your chance to shine and our chance to get to know you on a personal level, so don’t wait until the last minute to write it! We recommend writing a few drafts and sharing your essay with at least two people to get feedback before you submit. And don’t forget to proofread!
- Do a final review. Better safe than sorry! Go over everything one more time to make sure you haven’t missed anything and all your information is accurate.
- Give yourself a pat on the back. You did it! Sit back, relax and treat yourself for all your hard work.
- Keep an eye on your application portal and email. Admission decisions will be released in March. In the meantime, learn more about the Pacific experience or schedule a campus tour.
This article is part of the Before You Submit series, where we offer tips to help guide you through the application process. Check out part two to learn more about writing your personal statement.
If you have any additional questions about applying to Pacific, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 209.946.2211 or admission@738628.com. Happy application season!