Preparing for College Seniors
SUMMER before Senior Year
Continue college visits
Ask family and/or friends about their first year of college
Organize and read the college literature you have received
Get in the habit of checking your EMAIL often (school & personal)
September-Late November
Understand the College Application Process (Student & Parent) -- see Guide here
Visit with college reps and revisit prospective colleges
Continue rigorous college prep curriculum [AVOID SENIORITIS]
Develop your resume
Retake ACT or SAT if necessary (Be sure to send SCORES with time --- at least 6 weeks before college deadline)
Decide when you should apply [EARLY ADMISSION vs. EARLY DECISION vs. REGULAR DECISION] (consult with your counselor)
It is critical students FOLLOW ALL DEADLINES and AVOID submitting until the last minute
Follow COLLEGE application procedures:
Talk with your counselor about plans and schools OR make an appt. with the college counselor Ms. Amador-Zapata
Submit your applications and fees [click here for fee waiver form]
Develop your application essays (if required)
Request high school transcripts through Parchment*
Be sure to send out your ACT/SAT scores to EACH college you are applying to
Ask teachers and/or counselors to write recommendations IF the college requires it
Apply for FAFSA beginnning OCTOBER 1
Research scholarships through Naviance or other websites (if additional applications are necessary and check deadlines)
Research financial aid (add ALL schools you are applying to FAFSA application)
December-May
Follow up and check that all materials have arrived at your colleges and see if additional documents are needed [Midyear reports or 7th semester transcripts, financial verification, additional essays]
Receive admission decisions and begin to compare FINANCIAL AID PACKAGES & AWARD LETTERS
Select your college by May 1st and send necessary deposit(s) and secure housing
Notify the schools you did not select
Make sure finall transcripts are sent to the college you will be attending in the fall
Parchment Transcript Guide