Make an appointment with your guidance counselor! We are here to help, and will guide you through the entire process. It is a good idea to communicate with your counselor the first week that school resumes to schedule your first appointment. Some students need more help than others with the process, but even if you don’t need much help, keep us posted on your progress so we can perform the behind-the-scenes work that we must do as counselors (e.g., uploading your transcript to the colleges). Keep us in the loop right from the start!
Attend the College Night presentation in the Fall. Early in the Fall, we will hold an evening information session for Senior Families to go over many of the steps described below, and to update you on any new information you may need to know.
Finalize your list – At this point, you should have a list of schools/programs that you plan to apply to. Most students apply to 5 or more schools, so you have some options. Applications can cost $65 or more each, so be judicious and realistic about where you apply, and make sure it fits your budget (if you have financial hardship, you may qualify for a fee waiver – inquire with your guidance counselor). Your list can include some schools that are difficult to get into (e.g., “reach” schools), but should mostly be populated with schools that fit your child’s individual profile and career objectives.
Know the admissions requirements for each school – It can be helpful to make a spreadsheet, as schools have varying requirements for admission. Know whether specific exams are required (e.g., SAT/ACT, Subject Tests, TOEFL for international students, etc.), and if so, know what scores you need on each to be considered for that school.
Know your deadlines – Regular admissions deadlines are generally in January/February; Early Action deadlines are typically November/December; Early Decision (the one where you agree to commit to a single school in advance) is typically October/November. Not everyone applies early, but you should aim to get all your applications in by December anyway, even if you are not applying early. The holidays are hectic enough!
Begin the college essay – Not all schools require one, but most do; some require more than one. Supplement essays are a very important piece of a college application. Check each school’s application so you know what you need to write about. Expect that the essay will take 6-7 drafts, so leave plenty of time – this is often the single-most important criterion that an admissions officer uses to make a final determination; it is also the item that seems to hold most students up from submitting their application!
Visit open houses at the colleges you are considering – The best decisions are based on the best information, and September through November is open house season. Given the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, this particular step may need to be altered a bit from the traditional in-person visit. As of now, most schools are providing “virtual” tours, just in case. Use the summer to find the tentative dates of in-person events, plan your fall weekends as needed, and RSVP a space at those you wish to attend, even if they are virtual.
Request and review an unofficial copy of your transcript.. Make sure there are no incomplete grades, and make sure the transcript accurately reflects the courses your child has taken, as well as the activities your child has participated in. For an activity to be listed on the transcript, the student needs to have attended/participated in at least 80% of the club/team’s organized activities, practices, etc. (This information is normally provided and verified by the moderators/coaches, but please notify us of any discrepancies).
Secure letters of recommendation (not all schools require letters of recommendation). Most students will need 1 letter from their guidance counselor, and at least 2 letters from teachers they have in their Junior/Senior years. Be sure to request from your recommenders with plenty of advanced notice, and provide that person with any information/forms they may need to fill out. Be sure to follow up with those teachers regularly until they have submitted the letter – DO NOT WAIT until the last minute to request. Please note that some teachers put caps on the number of letters they will write, so ask early!
Finish and submit your applications – Go over the college application carefully with your child. Pay attention to minor details (e.g., capitalize your name and address), answer all questions thoroughly and accurately, and remember to pay after pressing submit! Most applications have a series of hoops you have to jump through to actually submit, so you can’t “accidentally” submit the application. Ask questions of us as needed.
Get your finances in order – College is an expensive proposition, but there is help! Most schools offer merit-based scholarships for students with good grades, and financial aid is available to many applicants by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (visit FAFSA.gov). The FAFSA application is required by most schools, even if you aren’t seeking aid, so be prepared. Both the FAFSA and CSS Profile become available early October.
(After applications are submitted)
Seek additional scholarships – Your schools may offer merit scholarships and financial aid, but many additional scholarships are available through private organizations. Websites such as scholarships.com, fastweb.com, or the phone app “Scholly,” are good clearinghouses for information and applications. We also post additional scholarship opportunities to the College Guidance Classroom on Google as they arise. Check the page regularly.
Remember, rejection happens – Even the strongest applicants get rejected from schools, especially the competitive schools, so expect it. It is never easy to receive a rejection, but it is a part of life and a normal part of this process. So, it is best not to get your heart set on any one school; instead focus on several schools that you feel would fit your child’s abilities, personality, and interests. Be supportive of your child, and keep your focus on the schools that do offer a space.
Review your options, especially the financial offers – Offers of admission usually arrive from January forward (unless you apply Early Action/Early Decision), and should come with a financial aid/merit aid summary. Make sure you know the difference between grants and loans, and ask us questions if you are not sure. Think carefully about the best deal – avoid excessive debt, especially since the undergraduate degree is likely only the first degree in a professional career! You can appeal financial aid awards, and use the awards from competing schools as leverage when you appeal. Get the best deal possible before committing to a school!
Visit schools one last time, if necessary (and if possible), before finalizing your decision.
May 1st is generally “National Commitment Day” – the date you need to make a decision and leave a security deposit at your school of choice.
Gap Year considerations – some students choose to take a gap year. If this is you, carefully plan for what you will do to make the time productive. Organized programs, part-time college/work programs, and travel abroad/service programs are a few options. You can defer your acceptance to most colleges for up to one year if you choose to take a gap year. Again, speak to your guidance counselor if this is something you are considering.
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