College Planning
College Application Support
- Brag Sheet
- College Application Timeline
- College Application Video
- Linking Common Application
- Summer College Application Workshop
Brag Sheet
Letters of recommendation may be required as part of the college/university application process. Students are encouraged to complete the “Brag Sheet” to help. The Brag Sheet can be completed in the students’ MaiaLearning account by selecting Universities from the menu and then selecting the Recommendations tab. Students must complete the Brag Sheet in MaiaLearning by clicking Brag Sheet Management, so that teacher recommenders and counselors can access the information to support the letter of recommendation process.
College Application Timeline
Summer is an ideal time for rising District 211 seniors to begin learning about and planning for the formal college application process. The senior year introduces necessary requirements, including the completion of financial aid forms and official college applications. The District 211 Student Services team is ready to assist seniors and their families with this process throughout the year, beginning with summer resources and programming. We look forward to continued work with you!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
Open House
Attend College Application Presentation at your school.
OCTOBER 15
Earliest Application Deadline
Common deadlines - 11/1, 11/15/, 12/1
OCTOBER 1
FAFSA Opens
This date is tentative. Illinois requires all public high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, if applicable, the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid as a graduation requirement.
FINANCIAL AID
Information Sessions/Workshops
Representatives from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will provide details regarding the FAFSA process. Watch for times and locations at your school.
College Application Video
This video provides an overview of our college and career platform, MaiaLearning, and offers insight into the steps you can take to confidently begin the college application process. View the video slides in PDF format.
Linking Common Application
College Application Support
For students applying to colleges and universities, all letters of recommendation and transcript requests will be completed through MaiaLearning.
Important: Students submitting applications through Common App must sync MaiaLearning with Common App so that transcripts, counselor school reports, and letters of recommendation can be submitted.
Watch this short video about syncing MaiaLearning with Common App for directions.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Summer College Application Workshop
College Planning Event
Summer College Application Workshop
You're invited to a Summer College Application Workshop designed to support rising seniors with the college search and application process.
Choose ONE session below. The same content will be offered at both locations.
Session 1
LOCATION: Hoffman Estates High School
DATE: Monday, August 3, 2026
TIME: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
OR
Session 2
LOCATION: Palatine High School
DATE: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
TIME: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Harper College Resources
Harper College
Harper College is District 211’s local community college and a valuable partner in helping students prepare for college, careers, and continued education. Harper offers affordable and flexible pathways to transfer, career preparation, certificates, apprenticeships, and associate degrees.
Why Consider Harper?
Harper College offers:
- Lower tuition than many four-year colleges and universities
- Career-focused degrees, certificates, and apprenticeship programs
- Transfer pathways to bachelor’s degree programs
- Flexible full-time, part-time, online, and accelerated courses
- Smaller classes and individualized support
- Academic advising, tutoring, career services, and other resources
- Opportunities to explore interests before choosing a major
- Clubs, athletics, leadership opportunities, and campus activities
Transfer to a Four-Year College or University
Students can begin at Harper, complete transferable coursework, and then continue at a four-year college or university. Harper offers more than 450 general-education courses, transfer-focused degree programs, and agreements with colleges and universities throughout the country. Explore Harper's transfer options here.
Students may also explore dual-degree programs and Harper’s University Center, where select bachelor’s degree programs can be completed on Harper’s campus.
Students planning to transfer should meet with a Harper academic advisor and research their intended major and university early. Course requirements vary by program, so careful planning can help students make the most of their credits.
Harper College can be a strong option for students seeking an affordable, flexible pathway to a career, a bachelor’s degree, or continued education.
Are you a senior Interested in applying to Harper? Click on the roadmap below for monthly action items to keep yourself on track.
