College Readiness

Senior Year Timeline

Financial Aid

Junior Parent Seminar Presentation

Juniors- Spring To-Do-List

PSAT Registration

Naviance

NCAA Information

New: Test Optional Policy

PSAT Results

Transcript Request

Time Line for Senior Year:

September: Visits and interviews, fill out applications

October: SAT/ACT, visits and interviews, fill out applications, scholarships

November: SAT/ACT, visits and interviews, fill out applications, scholarships

December: SAT/ACT, visits and interviews, fill out applications, scholarships

January: Fill out applications, financial aid, and scholarships

February: Fill out applications, financial aid, and scholarships

March: Scholarships

April: Scholarships

May: Scholarships

Vocabulary for the College Admission Process:

Rolling Admission: Colleges review completed applications monthly and students receive decisions once their files are reviewed.

Regular Decision: Students apply by a given date in return for a promise of notification by a given date.

Early Decision: This should be used by students only if a college is their first choice. Students apply early, and if accepted, agree to attend that school. All other applications must be withdrawn.

Early Action: Students apply early and, if accepted, have until May to decide.

Common Application: This is a special application that is accepted by a number of private colleges. Students need to complete it just once; duplicate copies will be accepted.

Campus Visits

This is the best way to see for yourself what a college is like. Contact the admissions office and set up an appointment (overnight visit if you want). Things to do during the visit: visit with an admissions officer, tour campus, talk to students, have a meal in the cafeteria, get copies of student newspaper, sit in on a class, meet a coach, meet with financial aid, and ask questions, questions, questions!

College Testing

SAT- Seniors should take the SAT early in their senior year.

ACT- Admissions test used by many colleges in the southern and western colleges.
(Applications for these testing programs are available in the Guidance Office.)

Application Process:

Information regarding the College Application Process can be located in the packet given to you in your Senior Advisory or Senior Seminar. You can also locate it by clicking the College Apps button in the menu bar on the left side.
You may also pick up a transcript release packet in the College and Career Center...please follow the directions on the first page.

Personal Part of the Application:

Essays: Your essays should be an example of your finest writing: it shows admissions officers more than the "facts." Check with your English teacher for proofing, type the essay (no more than two double-spaced pages), and put your name and SSN on each sheet.
Note: If the college indicates that an essay is optional, it is a good idea to send one.
(Save your essays because they may be re-used for scholarship applications.)

Recommendations:

Choose two or three individuals who know you well (i.e. teachers, religious leaders, coaches, employers, club advisors, counselors). Give that person the form (if there is one), your resume, and an addressed stamped envelope. Ask them to keep a copy because you may request that they recommend you for a scholarship later in the year. Be sure to write a thank-you note to the recommender.

Resume:

This is a formal listing of all or your accomplishments in/out of school. It should include the following: your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, SSN, academic accomplishments, school activities, community activities, and work experiences. You may include other areas if they are specific to you. You must also include the time frame in which these things occurred. (Note: Nothing before ninth grade is included.) Include with applications and scholarships and give to recommenders.