I've turned in my college applications: What's next?

Seniors, now that you've turned in all of your applications (congrats!), read the following next steps closely to stay on top of the process: 

1.     Check your Application Statuses NOW: Begin checking your application status at EACH individual college you’ve applied to. This may mean you have to CALL or EMAIL colleges, but many colleges probably sent you a username/password to login to their system and check. Do they have your transcript? SAT scores? Letters of recommendation?

Colleges do NOT inform me us if something is missing. L Only you. So, please complete this important step!

2.     Check your email and voicemail daily (clean out your inboxes or set them up, people!) and read your messages carefully. Now is the time that colleges will begin contacting you for consideration of their SEEK, EOP, and HEOP programs. Don’t overlook these important emails, phone calls, mailings, etc.!! They don’t care, but you will!

3.     Check your Financial Aid Requirements: visit EACH college’s financial aid website ASAP to verify what financial applications/documents they need and when they need them by.

·        When is their priority deadline for FAFSA? (many colleges have priority deadlines – meaning they will first consider students who have filed their FAFSAs by the listed date for their scholarships and other institutional aid)

·        Do they require the CSS Profile? This is a separate financial aid application via the College Board, often required by more selective colleges (but not necessarily). Check the colleges websites or this list (https://profileonline.collegeboard.org/prf/PXRemotePartInstitutionServlet/PXRemotePartInstitutionServlet.srv) to confirm. Typically, the deadline for this application is Feb 1^st or 15^th! It takes A LOT of time to complete, so don’t wait until the last minute.

·        Do they want signed copies of your parents’ tax forms? You won’t know this unless you check the websites!

4.     Keep your grades up! . Your senior grades matter…A LOT (even gym class!), and colleges WILL see them. So, don’t ruin your chances of admission – stay motivated in every class! Your mid-year reports will be sent to college in February.

Our Financial Aid Night is next Wednesday, January 21^st at 6pm in Room 321. We encourage you AND your parent(s) to attend to learn important information about financial aid, loans, and more!

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email the college office or stop by. We are available to help you complete ALL of these applications, mail/fax your documents, etc., but we need you to review what is required of your colleges before we meet.

Best,
The College Office

PS: Don’t forget to share your college acceptances with us!! Every.Single.One. J