College Applications
The Fall Semester is a very busy time for seniors. For those who have not taken the SAT and/or ACT (or are not happy with your previous scores) should be registered for one of the earliest tests this year.
You should have also narrowed your college choices down to around 5 (one "dream school", two or three "regular" schools, and one "fall-back" school). If you haven't visited these schools already, you should plan to visit very soon. Please don't let your first time on campus be your first day of class. Every school has it's own "personality" and you have to make sure the school you choose fits you.
Your next task is to start filling out your applications. Don't wait until the winter break to work on these. No matter when the deadline at your particular schools of choice are, you should have your applications submitted by Thanksgiving Break. Most colleges prefer that you complete and submit your application online, but you still have the option of completing a paper application and sending it to the school. Even if you are taking the SAT/ACT again or have taken it but have not received the scores yet, go ahead and submit your application - simply attach a note to the application telling them the date you took the test (or will be taking the test again) - this will allow them to start work on your application and then look for your latest test score once it is available.
Make sure to have your transcripts sent to the college once you have submitted your application.
If your application requires a counselor letter of recommendation, make sure to give your counselor plenty of time to write one - most counselors don't write "form letters" when doing college recommendations - they will write one specifically for you. You should give them at least a week to make sure they are able to write the best possible recommendation letter for you. When you ask your counselor for a recommendation, make sure to provide a short list of your activities (both in and out of school) - though your counselor may know you, he/she probably doesn't know everything about you - a list of your activities and accomplishments will all everything about you to be included in the letter.
Once your applications have been submitted, wait about two weeks and then call the admissions office - this does two things; 1) you can check to make sure all your application materials have been received by the school and, 2) it allows the admissions representatives at the schools to "personalize" your application - to put a voice to the name. Every little thing helps when it comes to being accepted to colleges.
If you have any questions about college and/or the application process, please see your counselor as soon as possible...don't wait until the last minute. DON'T PROCRASTINATE. Colleges won't accept "late work".
