stacykennedy

Since we’re in the midst of school, I thought I’d post something helpful for our parents and seniors. Here’s a fabulous checklist for the college app process. It’s super important to have a plan and keep track of all of the dates coming up for College prep.

Hope this helps!

SHOULD BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR YEAR:

Make a list of potential colleges you would like to attend
Make sure your resume is up-to-date and continue updating it throughout the year
Discuss careers and which majors can lead there
Gather college information: Attend college fairs, college nights and speak to representatives from colleges that attend your high school
Apply for scholarships
Learn and organize your financial aid
Consider ways to earn college credit via Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, CLEP, or Dual Enrollment courses
Set up appointments at your top college choices including a personal interview, tour of the campus and meet with a professor/coach if desired
Start working on your college application essays: Have a teacher read and discuss the essays with you
Discuss Letters of Recommendation: Request these letters with at least a 2-week notice
Take the SAT/ACT

FALL:

Getting involved: It’s never too late for students to get involved
Continue to visit schools
Finalize your college list: use all the information that has been gathered from your college visits, interviews and your own research to determine which schools you wish to apply to
Stay on track with grades and extracurricular activities: don’t slack off colleges look into what you have done your senior year too!
Take your standardized tests: Register for and take the ACT, SAT, or SAT Subject Tests (as necessary).
Create a calendar detailing application deadlines for admission, financial aid, and scholarships
Create a final draft of your resume
Ask for letters of recommendation: request these with at least a 2 weeks notice
Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss options for scholarships and admissions
Retake the ACT/SAT at least once, perhaps twice depending on score
Complete applications: Finish application forms for the schools you are interested in. *To avoid rushing to make deadlines, complete prior to winter break*
Check that colleges received all materials: applications, letters of recommendations, and test scores
Submit financial aid forms: Fill out the FAFSA no matter what, and if necessary, the PROFILE as early as possible beginning in October
Continue your scholarship search: use the successful strategies we cover – October is a major scholarship month!

WINTER:

Continue building involvement
Follow up on your college applications: Check with the schools to make sure they have received all your information, including test scores, transcripts, and recommendations
Take the ACT/SAT if scores can still be submitted to colleges
Keep working hard on your grades
Complete remaining admissions applications
Compare the costs of the schools your child is considering
Update personal statement with fall semester experiences
If a course member, winter break is a great time to implement a large portion of the materials
Work a part-time job for experience and to save money
Continue with your scholarship search: Holiday breaks are a great time to knockout some applications

SPRING:

Continue saving up for college (part-time job wages)
Keep an eye out in the mail for notification from colleges: Admissions decisions go out by March or April
Keep your grades up
Have a family meeting about college finances/financial aid and compare financial aid packages: ideally debt-free options
Check out your options if you’re put on a waitlist: Keep in mind being put on a waitlist does not mean rejection. You should receive a decision by May
Prepare for any last standardized tests: AP, IB and CLEP exams
Choose your school: Notify all colleges your decision by May 1st
Complete enrollment paperwork for the college you will attend: complete all paperwork by the deadline (this includes: course scheduling, orientation sessions, housing arrangements, and other necessary forms)
Don’t give up on scholarships there’s still time to apply and receive money for the fall semester! Use the successful strategies we cover
Just in case, begin researching and learning about student loans

SUMMER:

Getting involved: Have your child join organizations if they haven’t already
Work and save money for college expenses
Continue to apply for scholarships – deadlines go all the way through July and into August for money for the fall!: use the successful strategies we cover
Be on the lookout for college admission notifications
Research student loans if needed, narrowing down your choices
Talk with your child about college bills

CLASS OF 2020:

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