Tips for High School Seniors

Fall:

• Ask your teachers to write your recommendation letters. (Remember, they are doing you a favor, so ask early as a courtesy.)
  
• Shape your college list: be sure to include a balance of reach, target and likely schools.
  
• Know your deadlines for early action, early decision, and regular admissions.
  
• Finish your essays and applications.
  
• Study hard, academic excellence is still important.
  
• Attend college night at your high school, (parents too!)
  
• Visit with college reps in your area that are from schools you are interested in.
  
• Practice interviewing before the actual interview. Think of a good question or two to ask, (hint: not something you can Google.)
  
• Visiting now is great because you can see campus in full swing.
  
• Find out your high school’s procedures for ordering transcripts and requesting teacher letters.
  
• Make sure test scores have been sent when you apply.
  
• By late fall all of your apps should be submitted and you should check your portals to be sure all the documents colleges want are there. (Not all colleges want the same stuff, you need to be aware who wants what.)
  

Winter:

• You should be checking your portals every week to be sure you haven’t missed an important notice from the college.
  
• Study and do well on your finals—yes, your grades still matter!
  
• Start and file your FAFSA, (opens January 1, deadlines can be as early as February 1)
  
• Parents—you will need to assist your student with the FAFSA and have your taxes completed as early as possible this year.
  
• Keep up with your extra-curricular activities.
  
• You will start hearing back from colleges. The most selective colleges don’t notify until the last week of March.
  
• Visit any schools you have applied to and not seen.
  

Spring:

• It’s time to make that final decision!
  
• Visit any schools you are considering—especially if you haven’t seen them yet! Sometimes a second look can be really enlightening.
  
• Evaluate any financial aid offers. Financial aid comes in many forms, including loans--choose wisely, student loan debt never goes away until you pay it off. 
  
• SIR, (statement of intent to register) deposit is due by May 1. (Buy the Sweatshirt Day)
  
• If you are waitlisted at your first choice school, deposit on your second choice school so you reserve a spot.
  
• Don’t forget to stay focused on your coursework—a low grade now could tank your admission!
  
• Choose your housing, make a deposit. Some schools do not have enough housing, so deposit by the deadline. 
  
• Register for summer orientation; Parents, there is usually one for you too.
  
• Order your final transcripts to be sent to your college.
  
• Pass your finals and graduate!

Beth Coyle can help your student manage their time to stay organized with dates and deadlines.

Please give me a call to discuss how Coyle College Advising can help you understand all your options.

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