It’s coming faster than you care to think about… Decision Day. While May 1st may be looming as the “be all, end all” in your mind, there are simple steps you can take to make sure that you’re on track in your college search. Don’t let May creep up on you -- meet it head on with this step-by-step checklist.
September-November
1. Meet with your high school counselor
Narrow down your list of colleges, and start pinpointing which ones you are interested in and would like to visit or apply to.
2. Attend college fairs, collect info, schedule visits/interviews
Continue to attend college fairs and collect information about colleges you are interested in. Schedule campus visits and interviews to all or most of the colleges you are interested in applying to.
3. Attend Admission Events
Colleges and universities host admission events for interested students; these events generally include information sessions, tours, and the chance to talk to professors, staff, and students.
4. Register for the SAT/ACT
Check to see which colleges require SAT/ACT scores and register to take the exams if required; consider leaving time to retake them if necessary. Tip: While test scores may not be required to apply, it still may be a good idea to submit your scores as they may be required to be considered for certain majors or for academic scholarships.
5. Find candidates for letters of recommendation
Reach out to teachers, coaches, or counselors who you believe would be best for writing your letter of recommendation.
6. Narrow/finalize your list
Start narrowing your search. Not really interested in visiting that college the town over? Take it off your list. Not a fan of that college’s academic programs? Take it off your list.
7. Make grades a priority
Make your first-quarter grades a priority- they will impact your college applications.
8. Begin filling out apps and writing essays; check deadlines (Early decision, EA, etc)
Check out the deadlines for different applications at the colleges you are interested in. Some of the deadlines you might hear about include: Early Decision (if you get accepted, you have to go there), Early Action (you don’t have to go there, but you’ll know earlier if you’re accepted), and Rolling Admission deadlines (some may offer preference for scholarship award consideration). See which colleges offer an application through the Common App and figure out which application process would be best for you. Most colleges will allow you to start an application online and complete it at a later date, so you can get started even if you're still working on supplemental materials like your essay.
9. Obtain financial aid info from HS counselor and note deadlines
Start asking your school counselor or college admission counselor for financial aid information. Make sure you know the deadlines for these forms; they are often specific to each college.
10. Begin mailing apps
If you know which colleges you want to apply to and are finished with some of your applications, send them in! There is no such thing as too early.
December
1. Mail the remainder of your apps
If you are ready, try to mail the remainder of your applications by the middle of this month; this will give you peace of mind over winter break and you will be ready to handle financial aid applications and follow-ups with the new year.
2. Check in with your counselor on mailed records
Meet with your school counselor to make sure that all of the necessary records have been sent to and received by the colleges you have or are in the process of applying to.
Written by: Claire Nakoski, '17, Communications major