Action Plan: High School Seniors
It’s senior year, and your college days are just around the corner. Hopefully, you
have begun the college application process,
but don’t panic if you haven’t. There is still time, but you’ll have to move quickly.
Here are a few steps to remember:
Get Recommendations
Good recommendations are important, for both college and scholarship applications.
Colleges will have your grades, but they will be interested in knowing you personally.
To ace this part of the application process, maintain relationships with your teachers,
coaches, and volunteer directors. Pick out those who know you best, and ask them
for a letter of recommendation. Be sure to give them sufficient time and to thank
them when they have finished.
Register for the ACT and/or SAT
Almost all colleges will require that you take the ACT (American
College Test) or the SAT (Scholastic
Aptitude Test). If you plan to take the ACT, be prepared to take it
between the months of September and June. It is offered 6 times a year, and each
registration deadline is about a month before the test. Dates are similar if you
plan on taking the SAT. It is offered once a month between October and June, and
you have to register at least a month in advance. You can have your scores submitted
to several schools for free when you take either test.
Apply
The submission of application materials is the most important part of the
college application process. Pay close attention to your grammar and spelling
as you complete the required forms. When writing your essay, personalize it to the
school of your choice. Including reasons for your interest in each school shows
that you have put forth an effort and have done your research. Deadlines for an
early decision are usually in early November. Regular deadlines are generally between
January and February. Applying early is your best bet. You stand a better chance
of getting in if all of your information is in before the deadlines. Near the cut-off
dates, most admissions offices are swamped with entries. It is possible for things
to get misplaced or lost, and having time to resend application materials is important.
Submit the FAFSA Form
The deadline for completing the
FAFSA on the Web varies by state and can be as early as January or February.
However, even if your state has a later priority deadline you should try to submit
it as soon after January 1st as possible. You will need to have a copy of your parents’
and, if applicable, your own tax returns before beginning. It is easiest to submit
your FAFSA form online (although a paper version is available). This can be done
at fafsa.ed.gov. Beware of sites that charge you for applying for financial aid.
Remember, FAFSA is the FREE application for federal student
aid, so if you have to pay, you’re on the wrong site.
Wait For Results
Most colleges will let you know their decisions by the beginning of May. Once you
have received the results, consider your options. Take into consideration your financial
need, the location, and the reputation of each college. Let each school know if
you have accepted their offer as soon as you can.
Now you can release a big sigh of relief. Admittedly, the application process can
get a little tedious, but finishing feels great. Just sit back and relax. This is
in the bag.