Junior Year
Reference the College Application Checklist Overview here.
Spring
- Take the SAT and/or ACT. Register at www.collegeboard.com and www.act.org
- Investigate the need to take SAT II tests; some universities require or recommend in addition to the SAT reasoning--if necessary, plan to take in June
- Visit local colleges over Spring Break--large, small, public, and private
- Make an appointment with your School Counselor to discuss the college selection process
- Begin a preliminary list of colleges to investigate further. Surf the internet or use Naviance and use college resources in the Counseling Center:
- Complete resume and explore college esssay topics
- Plan for summer internships, employment, or academic enrichment programs
Summer
- Visit colleges you are serious about attending; make appointments for official tours
- Narrow your list of college choices
- Further investigate college majors and careers
- Continue preparation for Fall SAT/ACT testing
- Revise resume and prepare rough draft of college essays
- Check deadlines and review application requirements for schools where you apply
- Complete the NCAA Eligibility Center form online if you plan to play Division I or II sports. Turn in eligibility worksheet to the Registrar to send transcripts to NCAA
Senior Year
September
- Narrow your list of colleges to 5 or 10. Plan to visit as many of these as possible
- Create a master list to include:
- SAT/ACT tests you'll take and their fees, dates, and registration deadlines
- College application due dates
- Financial aid application forms required and their deadlines (Note: Aid applications may be due before college applications)
- Other materials you'll need (recommendations, transcripts, essays, portfolios, audition tapes, etc.)
- Glenelg's transcript request process and deadlines
- Notify a teacher of choice to complete recommendations; ask politely and do NOT give short notice. Provide teachers with an outline of your academic record and extracurricular activities and a stamped, addressed envelope
- Meet with college representatives that visit Glenelg. Watch or the bulletin that comes from Counseling Center with dates
- Attend Glenelg Counseling Center's College Process Overview meeting (date TBA)
- Register for additional SAT or ACT tests administered in October, November, December
- Apply for a PIN number to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov
- Both parent and student will need to apply for an individual PIN
October
- Try to finalize college choices
- Complete the FAFSA form available Ocotber 1
- Plan for any additional SAT or ACT testing dates
- Prepare Early Decision, Early Action , or rolling admissions applications ASAP
- If essays are required, write first drafts and ask teachers/counselors to proofread
- Send SAT/ACT scores to the colleges where you are applying (if you did not include them on the original score report when registering)
- Meet with college representatives that visit Glenelg
- Begin completing applications online and be sure to print and proofread before sending
- Link Common App to your Naviance Account (Click here to view how...bottom of link)
- Request official high school transcripts from the Counseling Center
November
- Apply Early Action (non-binding) or Early Decision (binding) to colleges that offer these programs (if interested)
- Investigate scholarship opportunities at each particular college and review Scholarship bulletin for outside awards
- Attend local college fairs (dates TBA) and continue to visit potential colleges
- Begin applying for university-sponsored and outside scholarships
- Continue to complete and submit college applications
December
- Complete admissions applications and begin scholarship applications
- Complete CSS Profile or school-specific financial aid forms if required
- Notify Counseling Center of acceptance or denial letters
- Arrange auditions, portfolio reviews, or scholarship interviews if needed
January
- Continue admission and scholarship applications
- Receive updates on the Counseling Center's Scholarship bulletin
- The Counseling Center will automatically send Mid-Year Grade reports to all schools for which a student applies
February-May
- Receive acceptance/denial letters
- Await Financial Aid Award letters from colleges
- Weigh options and submit deposit no later than May 1