Do The Heavy Lifting Now

Seniors, Don’t let anything disrupt your college bound plan. Complete all of your outstanding high school requirements, stay focused and check off all the items on this to-do list, so you’re ready to graduate and begin your college experience.

Thank those who’ve provided support and helped you throughout your college process. Write a note to your guidance or college counselors, recommendation writers and anyone else who has guided you along the way. Let your supporters know what your plans are for next fall and express your appreciation for all their efforts.

Request that your high school send your final school report/transcript to your college.

Review your financial aid details and follow up on any loose ends. Review your payment plan options and make sure your first payment is submitted on time

Complete any roommate surveys or requests and submit your housing forms on time.

Look out for any orientation programs offered and register on time for fall classes.

Sort through your college admission materials and save the following:  final copy of each of your essays on your computer, back-up device or print a hard copy, print a copy of your completed Common App because your online account will become inactive, your test score report(s), your transcript and important school work you may want to use if asked for samples.

Save an updated list of activities and awards or honors to help you create your resume when needed.

Complete any summer reading or pre-semester assignments.

Get excited!

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Get Ready For Tomorrow’s SAT

A few thoughts if you’re scheduled to take tomorrow’s SAT.

To minimize your stress tomorrow morning, it’s a great idea to get organized ahead of time. The last thing you need on test morning is a desperate scramble. These are some of the things you can do tonight to get your big day off to a great start:

First, check with your parents to make sure they know when and where you’re scheduled to take the test, and arrange how you’ll get to the test center. Next, gather and pack all the things you’ll need to take with you. Some of the things on this check list are “must-have” items, while others are optional.

REQUIRED: Don’t forget any of the following items or it will be a long ride home!

• An approved calculator
• Sharpened #2 pencils
• An acceptable form of photo ID
• Your admission or standby ticket

SUGGESTED:

• Water
• Snack
• Sweater
• Back-up calculator
• Extra batteries for your calculator
• Watch (to keep track of time)

Registration Reminder

Today is the deadline for standby registration and your photo upload for the June 10th ACT exam.

Calling All High School Students

Summer is almost here!

Summer break is the time when you’ll have the chance to try new activities, further your interests and discover what you really enjoy doing. Decide how you want to do this summer! You may already have plans, but if you don’t, now is the time to consider looking into finding a job, an internship or a volunteer opportunity. And there will still be plenty of time for the beach, meeting your friends and family BBQs.

Your school’s guidance office is the place to begin— they may have a list of resources and positions, and also may know of specific opportunities in your area. Check social media for postings as well. Your public library and local community center are also good places to continue your search.

Summer break is also a good time to consider taking a class, either at a local school or online. Choose an academic subject of particular interest to you or sign up for a class just for fun, maybe that photography class you’ve always wanted to try.

Regardless of what you decide to do, think about the following when making your plans:

• Look for opportunities to build new skills and/or deepen ones you already have.
• Try to knock things off your “to do” or create a “try this” list and work through it.
• Create a challenge for yourself to learn something new.
• Discover or confirm what you do and don’t like to do with your time.

Registration Reminder

Remember, today is the late registration deadline for the June 3rd SAT.

How To Request Letters of Recommendation

Juniors, it’s time to think about which teachers you would like to ask to write your college letters of recommendation. Consider which teachers know you best and ask them to write a letter on your behalf. Try to make this request in person, if possible.

Here’s how to request the best recommendations:

1. Ask the teachers who know you well and can write a strong letter on your behalf.
2. Try to make this request in person, if possible.
3. Ask before your summer break begins. Many teachers receive more requests than they can fulfill, so by asking in advance, you’ll be able to confirm they are able put you on their list.
4. Most colleges require one or two letters of recommendation from your teachers and one from your guidance counselor. It’s a good idea to ask primary subject teachers from junior or senior year.
5. Help your recommenders to write the most effective letters. Give them an outline of the highlights of your time spent in their classroom, your favorite assignments and samples of your work. Also, let them know what you enjoy(ed) most about their class. Share any experiences outside the classroom that are relevant to their subject matter to help them write a letter that ties together all your related experiences.
6. Are there any special programs in which you’ve had a meaningful involvement, such as science research or athletics? If so, ask your point person to write an additional letter on your behalf. These letters help admissions reps get a better understanding of who you are and what you’re likely to contribute to their classrooms and campus community.
7. Once senior year begins, confirm with your writers. Once you know where you’re applying, give each recommender a list of your schools and the application deadlines and they will, most likely, submit their letters electronically.
8. Keep track of your recommendations. Make a list of the schools you are applying to, jot down the date you made your request and check online or with the colleges as the process progresses to confirm their receipt of your recommendation letters.

Colleges Accepting Applications For Fall 2023

Seniors, you can still apply to college! The National Association of College Admission Counseling’s (NACAC)) College Openings Update provides a list of hundreds of US colleges and universities with openings, financial aid and housing available to qualified freshman and/or transfer students for the fall 2023 semester. So, if you have not yet completed your applications or are not happy with your choices use the Update to search for schools through the use of various filters.  Both public and private colleges and universities are included on the list.

The College Openings Update is a great resource. This list of schools is updated daily as colleges and universities finalize their admissions numbers for 2023/24, so continue to check back.

It’s never too late to apply!

Registration Reminder

Remember, today is the late registration deadline for the May 6th SAT.

National College Decision Day

NATIONAL COLLEGE DECISION DAY is almost here. SENIORS, May 1st is the deadline for your big decision! The schools to which you’ve been admitted will be sending you many important announcements so check your inbox and mailbox frequently.

Many schools host on campus events for admitted students. These special programs are a good way to take a closer look at the campus, ask questions and meet your prospective classmates. Make every effort to attend. In addition to on campus events, alumni often host local get-togethers for admitted students from the same area to meet one another. Parents are often invited to these local gatherings as well and this is an opportunity for them to meet alumni and staff and become familiar with the school you’ll be attending. Often, guest speakers share helpful advice on how to help you and your parents with your transition to college.

If you have applied for aid, check your inbox and mailbox for any requests for additional information. Make sure to read through all mailings and understand the details. Be clear on how much of your package is gift aid such as scholarships, grants and tuition waivers, and how much requires repayment, and on what schedule. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your financial aid rep.

Make your decision and be sure to send in your deposit by the May 1st deadline. Re-read your acceptance letter and any correspondence you received from the school to confirm that you’ve submitted all the required documents. Also, as a courtesy, don’t forget to notify other colleges offering you a spot that you won’t be attending.

Once you’re a member of the class of 2027, you’ll begin receiving lots of important and time sensitive mail requiring your attention. Be on the lookout for information and required forms regarding housing, roommate selection, course registration, orientation and summer events. Also, expect to hear from the health office, registrar and bursar.

Your mailbox is going to be full so check for news daily!

Become A Part Of Your New College Community

Exciting times are ahead! If you have made your college decision it’s time to connect with your new classmates, as well as professors and alumni. Become an active member of your new college community before you even arrive on campus.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Use social media to connect with your future classmates, friends and potential roommates. Learn about the work professors are engaged in and the exciting paths alumni have taken. You can also stay up to date on what’s happening on your college campus, so don’t wait to get started.

FACEBOOK: Facebook groups for your school are a great resource to keep you up to date about group meet ups with future classmates in your area. You may find potential roommates and also friends with common interests. Talk about the best classes to sign up for and post questions you may have about the college. Check the school’s Facebook page to stay current about deadlines for required forms, deposits and special programs.

LINKEDIN University Pages: The specific pages offer the latest news from your school. These LinkedIn pages are also where you can read what alumni are doing, where they’re living, what fields they’ve gone into and the jobs they’ve had since their graduation. This is your future network.

TWITTER: Twitter accounts belonging to professors may be interesting for you to follow. You can learn what they’re writing about, researching and read about the latest news in their field. Campus organizations, including clubs, fraternities and sororities also use Twitter to help them stay in touch with the school community.

INSTAGRAM: Follow your college’s page and see what students are doing on campus now.

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