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The College Application Process: A Checklist for Seniors

 

Summer Before Senior Year

 

  • Make a “brag file” in which you keep track of your:

    • Participation in sports and clubs

    • Volunteer work (log hours)

    • Honors and awards

    • Employment

    • Make sure to keep track of the years you were involved, number of hours dedicated, and positions held.

  • Go on campus tours.

  • Research colleges.

  • Research scholarships.

  • Use your brag file to build a resume.

  • Read to improve your vocabulary for the SAT/ACT.

  • Study for the SAT/ACT.

  • Follow the news and current events.

  • Get involved with summer programs and volunteer work.

 

Fall Semester

 

  • Meet with your school counselor or college adviser to discuss your higher education options.

  • Take a strong/challenging academic load. Keep your grades up.

  • Stay involved in extracurriculars and take on leadership roles.

  • Study for the SAT/ACT.

  • Register for and take/retake the SAT/ACT.

  • Take the SAT Subject Tests if required for your specific college applications.

  • Create a list of schools to apply to, ideally with 1-3 likely schools, 2-5 target schools, and 1-3 reach schools.

  • Start your applications early and make a timeline of deadlines, check points, and goals.

  • Research scholarships. Work on scholarship pre-applications and applications.

  • Request letters of recommendation from your teachers in advance.

  • Work on personal statement/college essay.

    • Get multiple people to review or edit for you.

    • Write multiple drafts.

  • Talk to your parents early about financial aid options (scholarships, financial aid, loans, work study, FAFSA forms, etc.)

    • Parents need to be prepared to file their taxes early to fill out the FAFSA and CSS forms.

  • Early decision deadlines will generally be in early November, early action deadlines vary, and regular decision will generally be in early January. Check colleges for specific dates!

  • Don’t wait to complete your college applications until the last minute. They take time!

 

Spring Semester

 

  • Complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as early as possible so that colleges can return your financial aid offers.

  • Ask your counselors to send out midyear grade reports.

  • Prepare for AP tests.

  • Decisions making!

    • Ask counselors for help in understanding acceptance offers and financial aid offers/rewards.

    • Visit campuses to help you choose between schools.

  • Avoid senioritis.

    • Keep your grades up because admission can be revoked if you give up in your final semester and tank your grades.

 

Throughout Senior Year

 

  • Make sure to keep your social media sites professional and restrictive with security and privacy settings.

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