Seniors – Finish Your High School Career Strong!
“Education is learning what you didn’t even know you didn’t know.”
-Daniel J. Boorstin, Historian
Keep Up
The Hard Work
Colleges look at your senior year class selection and grades when reviewing your college application. Continue to take challenging classes and do your best in them. Don’t forget, you also have to submit your final transcript when you graduate high school. You have worked hard to get where you are – keep it up!
Ready for AP Spanish? AP Computer Science? Remember selective colleges want to see you taking more than the minimum high school requirements. That is how they know you will take advantage of the many opportunities they offer and will be more likely to admit you. Colleges want to see initiative and depth of learning in areas that fascinate you.
Continue Those Challenging Classes
Stay
Involved
You are the oldest students in your school. Be a role model for younger students. Take on leadership roles in activities that are meaningful to you – tryout for captain of your basketball team, VP of Student Government or be a tutor for freshmen and sophomores.
Important Dates
Check out the Juniors Page for more details about each component of the college application process!
July 1
August 1
Common Application opens
October 1/December 1
NOTE: 2024-25 Application Cycle! The Federal Governement is still testing out the new FAFSA, requiring a delayed opening. Instead of October 1, in 2024, it will open on or around December 1.
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid accurately and early. For more information about Financial Aid, click here.
CSS Profile Opens Oct. 1 – Some colleges also require students and parents to fill out the CSS Profile to access additional institutional aid. Fill it out accurately and early. For more information, click here
Oct-Feb
College Interviews! Many schools will offer an alumni or on campus interview to get to know you better and to give you an opportunity to ask questions. Sign up!
Nov 1-15
Early Decision and Early Action applications, as well as Scholarship consideration due at many colleges. Check specific college websites.
December 15
Colleges notify Early Decision applicants if they are admitted, deferred to Regular Decision or denied. Check specific college websites.
Jan 1-15
Early Decision II and Regular Decision applications due at many colleges. Check specific college websites.
February 15
Colleges notify Early Decision II applicants if they are admitted, deferred to Regular Decision, or denied.
April 1
Colleges notify Regular Decision applicants if they are admitted, waitlisted, or denied. Start comparing your financial aid packages….they are not all the same.
May 1
College Signing Day
Colleges require you to notify them of your decision to accept or reject their offer of admission by this date.
Quick
Tips
Stay on top of deadlines. Create a spreadsheet with:
- SAT/ACT test dates and registration deadlines
- College specific application deadlines
- College specific financial aid deadlines
- Materials needed
- Transcript from your school counselor
- Teacher recommendations
- Your school’s process for coordinating and sending materials to colleges.
The College Application Components
Whether you are applying to colleges using the Common Application or the Coalition Scoir Application, these are the sections you will fill out. Get a jump start on your applications the summer before senior year by filling out your personal information early.
- Personal Information
- Education
- Testing (SAT/ACT)
- Activities
- Personal Statement Essay
- Supplemental Essay(s)
- COVID-19 Question
- The “Anything else to share” question
- Personal Information
- Education
- Testing (SAT/ACT)
- Activities
- Personal Statement Essay
- Supplemental Essay(s)
- COVID-19 Question
- The “Anything else to share” question
Write your essay and supplemental questions using Word or Google Docs. It is easier to make changes and keep track of old versions. Simply copy and paste into the application. Don’t forget to proof read!
Print each application before you submit! It’s always good to have a back-up copy, just in case.
Check out the Juniors Page for additional guidance on the College Application Process
Want to learn how to polish your college application and showcase your talents?
Set up a free 30 minute session with us.
