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Seniors

College Preparation & Planning for Seniors

September

If you have not already done so, visit college campuses. Contact colleges that interest you to learn about opportunities for “preview events” for prospective freshmen. Your junior year through first semester of your senior year marks the most important time period in high school. It is the portion of your high school experience that will be most closely scrutinized by colleges. Make this semester count!

Make an appointment with the Guidance Counselor to review your college planning efforts. Based upon the selectivity of the colleges you are considering, he can help guide you regarding academic, co-curricular, leadership, and service expectations for admission to each tier of college.

Update your college resume, highlighting academic achievements, special honors and awards as well as your co-curricular, leadership, and service expectations for admission to each tier of college.

If you have not already done so, purchase and review an SAT or ACT preparation manual. On average, students who use the SAT preparation programs improve their scores by more than 100 points. Many will suffice, but Kaplan and Princeton Review offer two of the better options available.

DEADLINE: If you plan to take the SAT or ACT in October, you must usually register by the first week of September. Generally, we recommend waiting until the November test date since it allows just a little more progress in the area of mathematics. Note: If you do not select the colleges to which your scores should be reported at the time of registration or shortly after test day, you must pay a fee for score reports. However, we suggest that you NOT report your scores until you know that they are good. Please ensure that your scores are reported to North Hills Christian School. Our College Board code is 343-501. Click here to register for the SAT.

DEADLINE: A complete list of colleges to which you will apply for early action or early decision is due to the Guidance Office no later than the last business day of September.

Continue researching college scholarships through the Internet and college websites; begin applying!

DEADLINE: For all early action/early decision applications, submit a request to your North Hills faculty members for reference letters no later than the last business day of September. Remember: You are asking for a reference that is not guaranteed! You want to prompt your teachers to want to write a good recommendation. This is a life skill you will use from today forward, so carefully consider these guidelines:

References take time and effort on the part of your teachers, so it will go a long way if you respectfully ask for their support well before you need it. Submit the request in writing.

Along with a letter asking a teacher to consider writing a reference, include a brief overview that includes the name of the college, what it is about the school that makes you want to attend, and why you think you are admirably suited for the school. Additionally, attach a high school resume that outlines your co-curricular activities, academic achievements, and your involvement in community service and leadership.

 

October

Submit all college early action/early decisions admissions applications. No matter if a college offers early decision, early action, or regular/rolling admission, we urge you to apply early! Generally, the more selective colleges and universities will accept a greater percentage of early decision students that they will during their usual enrollment season. Plan accordingly.

Attend college fairs!

DEADLINE: If you plan to take the SAT or ACT in November, you must usually register by the first week of October.

 

November

Work on and submit all college admissions applications. No matter if a college offers early decision, early action, or regular/rolling admission, we urge you to apply early! Generally, the more selective colleges and universities will accept a greater percentage of early decision students that they will during their usual enrollment season. Plan accordingly.

If you are applying for financial aid, begin working on the FAFSA (or at least make yourself aware of the information that you must gather in order to accurately complete the FAFSA-you won’t likely be ready to submit it until your current year taxes are filed). Many colleges will also require that you complete a college application for financial aid. Contact the financial aid offices of the colleges you will consider attending for more information.

Continue researching, and begin applying for college scholarships through the Internet or college websites.

DEADLINE: For all regular action/decision applications, submit a request to your North Hills faculty members for reference letters no later than the last business day of November. Remember: You are asking for a reference that is not guaranteed! You want to prompt your teachers to want to write a good recommendation. This is a life skill you will use from today forward, so carefully consider these guidelines:

References take time and effort on the part of your teachers, so it will go a long way if you respectfully ask for their support well before you need it. Submit the request in writing.

Along with a letter asking a teacher to consider writing a reference, include a brief overview that includes the name of the college, what it is about the school that makes you want to attend, and why you think you are admirably suited for the school. Additionally, attach a high school resume that outlines your co-curricular activities, academic achievements, and your involvement in community service and leadership.

 

December

Submit college applications at least two weeks before they are due. Make sure you have all requests for transcripts/recommendations submitted early to the colleges. Check school deadlines.

 

January

Parents: Prepare your income tax returns as early as possible. The information will likely be needed if you plan to apply for tuition assistance or scholarships.

Request that your mid-term senior transcript be sent to the colleges to which you have applied already. Research and apply for merit-based scholarships. Deadlines are fast approaching!

 

February

If you have not heard from a college, check to ensure that all required information has been received. If you have not already done so, make plans to visits the colleges you have considered before committing to one of them.

DEADLINE: Many colleges and organizations require you to apply for specific merit-based scholarships with deadlines in the month of February. Check and apply early!

 

March

DEADLINE: Many colleges require you to the complete the FAFSA and the application for financial aid by March; check with your chosen college(s) and plan accordingly.

Complete and submit all information, including financial aid information, as requested by the college and make sure your health records are updated. Make any necessary doctor’s appointments.

 

April

DEADLINE: Meet your chosen college’s deposit deadline.

 

May

Send thank you notes those who wrote you recommendations. Notify them of your college selection and thank them for taking time to assist you in the process.

Notify the Guidance Counselor of your college choice so that the final transcripts will be mailed to the appropriate school.

Baccalaureate will be Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 6:00 pm

Graduation will be Friday, May 22, 2020, at 6:00 pm

 

June

Register/prepare for college orientation.

Congrats! You made it!