High School Seniors, You are Not Done Yet
We know how busy high school seniors have been this fall. In addition to taking a full course load, keeping grades up, and continuing their participation in activities, many seniors were still taking standardized tests at the beginning of this school year while also writing essays and completing college applications. As college application deadlines approach, we want to remind seniors what their next steps should be.
Keep your Eye on the Prize
We understand how exhausting writing essays and completing applications can be, but do not give up. Continue to give your essays your best effort and proofread all pieces to avoid errors. While it may be tempting to recycle essays you have already written, make sure that they answer the specific prompt. You want to submit the highest quality application you can.
Do not wait until the last minute to submit regular decision applications, even if you submitted Early Decision or Early Action applications. Many early admissions decisions are released right before the regular decision deadlines, but some are released after the regular deadlines. Even if you know you will receive a decision before the deadline for other applications, if the decision is not what you hoped for, you may not feel like writing more essays. We suggest that you take advantage of all early non-binding deadlines if offered and apply Regular Decision to those colleges that do not provide a non-binding early option.
Talk to your Parents about Financial Aid
You will need a parent or guardian to work on this with you. If your family is applying for financial aid, share any emails about this process with the individual helping you . Each college may have different requirements and different deadlines for the forms. Some colleges just require the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), while others require the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. If you are using the Common Application, there is a Financial Aid tab that links to the financial aid web pages for each college that you are applying to through the Common Application. If you have any non-Common Application schools, be sure you look up those requirements and deadlines as well.
Set Up and Watch All Portals
Once you submit your application, you must ensure the admissions office receives all necessary parts. After receipt of your application, most colleges will email you instructions on how to set up your status portal. This status portal is where you can ensure all requirements (transcript, letters of recommendation, test scores if applicable, etc.) are received. Occasionally, a school may ask for additional information such as first trimester, quarter, or semester grades, another essay, an activity resume, or even a video introducing yourself. Some schools have scholarships and honors programs that you can only apply to once you have submitted your application. And ultimately, the status portal is where you will find out your admission decision. Some colleges even track your activity in your portals as part of their demonstrated interest consideration. Simply setting up your portal and how often you check this portal may be considered.
We recommend that when you set up the portal, you bookmark the link and keep your username and password in a secure location that is easily accessible. It is an awful feeling to know a college has released decisions, but you do not remember how to access your decision.
Continue to Demonstrate Interest
Demonstrating interest does not stop once you submit your application. You should continue to open emails from the colleges you applied to and click on links to see what they are sending you. If you are allowed to interview, do it! If additional “optional” essay prompts or an option to submit a short video introducing yourself show up in your portal, take the time to complete these tasks.
If you have not connected with the regional admissions officer yet, do so. If they are scheduled to present at your high school or another local venue, show up and introduce yourself. Follow up with an email reminding them who you are and thanking them for taking the time to talk with you. Similarly, reach out to faculty in the department you are interested in to continue to learn more. Not only will this demonstrate interest, but it will also help you learn more to help you make a solid decision if you find yourself deciding between a few college options. Additionally, should you be deferred from a college, you can include this experience in your letter of continued interest showing the admissions office that you are confident that the school is a “fit” for you and you for them.
Communicate Respectfully with your Recommenders
As mentioned, you must watch your status portals to ensure all application pieces arrive, including your counselor and teacher(s) letters of recommendation. Do not panic that you may have submitted your application before the letters are submitted, as this is very common. The letters need to be submitted by the application deadline, but when the letters arrive does not impact the admissions decision. We do not recommend harassing a teacher or a counselor to get the letters submitted. Teachers and counselors are very familiar with the process and are aware of the deadlines, so pressuring them to submit early will not help. However, should the letters not be showing as received within a week of the deadline, you can respectfully reach out to the individual writing your letter. Acknowledge you know how busy they are with their classes and writing other students’ letters, and ask them if there is anything else they need from you.
Additionally, thank your counselor and your teachers for their assistance and writing your letters of recommendation. You can do this before you have received decisions from your colleges, but be sure to follow up after deciding on a college to let them know what school you will be attending next year. Teachers love to hear the results and want to know your future plans.
Avoid Senioritis
Continue to work hard in your classes. Do not let senioritis take over–grades still matter. Colleges will require a final transcript and can revoke an offer of admission if your grades decline drastically.
Along these same lines, don’t let the excitement of finishing applications cloud your judgment. Save yourself the stress of a possible rescinded offer by continuing to keep your behavior in the classroom, outside of school, and online in check. Colleges will need to be alerted about any disciplinary issues.
Participate in High School Events
As you near graduation, you may feel a mix of emotions ranging from sadness to excitement. Do not allow yourself to have any regrets. Continue to create wonderful high school memories, and enjoy every minute! Participate in high school events such as athletic events, plays, and dances. Take the time to enjoy time with your friends, as many of you may be going in different directions next fall.
While this may seem like a lot to do, we promise the challenging part is over (unless you count waiting for decisions).
While high school seniors may almost be at the finish line, if you have a younger student in need of assistance, contact North Shore College Consulting today to learn more about our one-on-one, individual college consulting packages.