Action Plan: High School Seniors

It’s senior year, and your college days are just around the corner. Hopefully, you have begun preparing, 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. 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 recommendation letter. 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 or the SAT. 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. Once you are finished, you may choose your best score and send it to the schools of your choice.
• Apply
  The submission of application materials is the most important part of the 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 submitting your FAFSA form is at the beginning of July. However, 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 posing as the original financial aid website. Remember, FAFSA is a method for gaining money, not spending it.
• 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.