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The Go-to November Checklist for High School Seniors
The college application season is in full swing
Hey Seniors -- Congratulations on completing your first rounds of applications...AND signing off on the first quarter of this school year. Stop to take a look at what you have accomplished over these last few months. You have a lot to be proud of!
Whether you have already submitted to colleges via a Rolling, Early Action or Early Decision (binding agreement) you've taken your most important step on your journey to college admission. But hold on for a moment -- you are not done yet! Here are some very important reminders about next steps on the path to college:
- Once colleges receive and upload an application, access opens to an individualized online student portal. Here, students can check application status and update their file with new information as it becomes available ex. new test scores; updated awards or honors; etc.
- Students who recently re-took the SAT or ACT should consider if the results might boost their candidacy. If so, updating colleges is a good move.
- Following application submission, it can take some time for the various components to be recorded, especially pieces that are sent from the high school such as transcripts or teacher recommendations. Although it can be bit nerve wracking to see that some elements are moving on the slower road, it is advisable to be patient but continue checking back.
- If after 7-10 days or so the application remains marked as incomplete, it is a good idea to email or call the college Admission Office. Give this some time as it may take several days for schools to digitally match e-documents with an application.
- For those students who have not yet investigated a school prior to application submission, it is not too late to demonstrate interest! Applicants can be in touch directly with the regional representative, Admissions Office or sign up for virtual presentations to support their school research.
- Interview opportunities may automatically be offered at some (though not most) colleges. At others, applicants need be proactive about interview scheduling.
- Applicants who have submitted a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will receive a SAR (Student Aid Report). This is the time to check for any missing or incorrect information
LATER DEADLINES
Following the “early rounds,” most but not all colleges offer Regular Decision or Rolling options. Others may offer an Early Action II or Early Decision II, providing an additional opportunity to apply before year end and receive an early response.
At this time, all applicants ought to take a brief but well-deserved exhale even if still finishing the first academic quarter or trimester -- then get ready for the next set of applications to go... .
Congratulations on applying to college!
Marla Platt, M.B.A. is an independent college consultant based in Sudbury, MA through AchieveCoach College Consulting, providing expert and personalized guidance to students and families throughout the college planning, search and admissions process. Marla is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and can be reached via www.achievecoach.com
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