Planning for College

It's never too early to start planning for college!

At Oklahoma City University, we are always here to help guide you through the college process. To help you get started, we have created a checklist to assist you in finding the best college for you.

START WITH YOU. What type of school would be the best fit for you? Large, small, private, or public? These are all things to consider. How involved do you want to be in organizations and will you have opportunities in college to participate in activities or sports? Where will you feel at home and be successful?

EXPLORE. Prior to your senior year is a great time to start researching colleges to see what majors and opportunities they can offer. Set up campus visits at the schools that interest you and spend a day on the campus. Sit in on a class, meet with faculty and current students, eat in the cafeteria, and explore the campus. We would love to show you our campus! Schedule a visit or check out our Virtual Campus Visit Experience!

SIGN UP FOR THE ACT OR SAT. These tests can determine not only if you can be admitted, but also what type of scholarship you can receive. You can take the test multiple times and colleges will look at the highest score. We are aware of the current difficulty in taking ACT or SAT tests. Please note that OCU no longer requires a test score to be submitted for admission or certain scholarship opportunities. If you are unable to take the ACT or SAT, please connect with your Admissions Counselor to chat through your options.

MEET WITH COLLEGES THAT ARE VISITING YOUR AREA. Check with your high school counseling office to see what colleges will be visiting your high school. If there is a college fair in your area, attend to learn more about the schools. Be open to learning about colleges that are new to you. Don't rule out a school based on cost, as many schools provide money for merit, departmental, and talent scholarships. Check out our scholarships!

NARROW DOWN THE COLLEGE SEARCH BEFORE YOUR SENIOR YEAR. After researching schools online and then visiting their campuses, narrow down your college search to your top four. This will help when it comes time to apply to schools at the beginning of your senior year.

LOOK FOR OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES. Check with your parents' employer, your church, community organizations, high school, and other reputable companies in your community to see if they have scholarship opportunities. Learn more about outside scholarships!

FINANCIAL AID TIMELINE. Beginning October 1 of your senior year of high school, families will be able to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is a free application that the government provides to families to determine what type of federal and state aid the student will qualify for. When completing the form, you choose what colleges receive the results. Most schools will not process the FAFSA information until you have also been admitted to the university. Click here for helpful tips when completing the FAFSA!

APPLY FOR ADMISSION. Beginning August 1 of your senior year is the best time to start applying to your top three to five colleges. Why so early? You won't miss scholarship deadlines and you can start developing a relationship with the school you are considering. You can apply to Oklahoma City University here!

I'VE BEEN ADMITTED, NOW WHAT? Check out your admission packet you received in the mail for more details, or visit our admitted student checklist here.

NEED TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION FOR MUSIC, THEATRE, OR DANCE AND ENTERTAINMENT? Click on the appropriate link below for audition details and instructions on how to schedule your audition.