✔ Create a Common Application Account for appropriate schools and check online for college applications for schools not subscribing to Common App.
✔ Visit college campuses of interest to you and meet with college representatives visiting GLTHS at the College and Career Fair.
✔ Decide which schools you will apply to, and discuss them with your School Counselor. Add your schools to your Naviance list!
✔ Make a list of each college’s and scholarships deadlines!
✔ Take the SAT I (usually in October or November) or the ACT (usually in October).
✔ Complete the necessary financial aid forms, including the FAFSA (after October 1st).
✔ If you are applying for Early Action, finish taking standardized tests. The October tests are typically the last that you can take to be eligible for Early Action.
✔ Ask teachers and counselors to complete your evaluation forms and School Report. Brainstorm for and write your essays and enlist editors to help you perfect them. (Be sure to start this as early as possible!).
✔ If you are applying Early Action, submit your application. Deadlines are typically around November 1st, but check with individual schools as some may be earlier. Remember all forms must be submitted to the School Counseling Office 2 weeks prior to the deadline!
December-February:
✔ Send off your applications –Deadlines are typically around January 1, but check with each school.
✔ Check the Financial Aid deadline at each college you apply to and be sure to submit the form accordingly to ensure eligibility for financial aid from the college.
✔ Continue to apply to outside scholarships. Don’t forget to check with local civic groups and with your parents’ employers.
✔ Ask your School Counselor to complete any necessary Mid-Year School Reports. They are typically due in early February, after 1st semester has finished and posted grades.
March-May:
✔ You are almost done! Now it’s time to wait it out. You will typically receive notification letters at the beginning of April. (Remember good news usually, but not always, comes in thick envelopes!)
✔ Decision time: with help from parents, teachers and school counselors decide where you would like to spend the next four years.
✔ Discuss with your parents the financial aid offers and contact the schools if they are seriously insufficient.
✔ Take part in “Pre-Frosh” events and visitations.
✔ Notify the schools of your decision and send in the postcard and deposit to your new college (May 1st).
