The College Admissions Process -- Simplified!

• During your senior year, finalize the college search and begin to narrow down your college list.  At this point, try to ignore the Cost of Attendance (COA) and be open to the possibilities of financial aid.  You may be surprised at a financial aid package a private school may offer you.  Retake the ACT or SAT to improve your scores.
• If you are applying for Early Decision, you must meet the college deadline established.  All admissions paper work should be submitted to the Guidance Office and you must request a transcript on your Naviance Student account.  REMINDER - IF YOU APPLY ON-LINE, YOU WILL STILL NEED THE TRANSCRIPT SENT AND ANY OTHER NEEDED FORMS THE SCHOOL REQUIRES.  Don't forget to enclose your application fee.  Should Letters of Recommendation be needed, give at least two weeks notice to the teacher or counselor by whom you need this completed and request the Letter of Recommendation in your Naviance Student account.
• Begin the Financial Aid Process after October 1st.  Complete the FAFSA Form and any school-specific forms.  Seniors should be applying for scholarships and meeting the required deadlines.  Look for scholarships that you feel you can meet their set criteria.
• During the Spring of your senior year, you will hear from the colleges concerning their proposed financial aid.  Evaluate the package and possibly negotiate for more.
• Students need to finalize the college decision and commit by MAY 1st. 
• The School Counseling Office will request this information from the seniors through our "Senior Survey" during the spring meeting and submit final transcripts to the college.
• School Counselors meet with every senior individually during the months of September and October.  Seniors receive access to a Senior Meeting Slideshow via the Class of 2022 Google Classroom. It can also be found here.

How Colleges See You

• Your grades in college prep courses (the depth of your transcript)
• Your admission test scores
• Your grades in all subjects
• Your class rank
• Your essay/writing sample
• Your counselor recommendation
• Your teacher recommendations
• Your interview (if required)
• Your work/extracurricular activities and leadership positions
• Your personal recognition programs

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COLLEGE FAIRS

Suburban College Fair

Learning Disability College Fair

College Athletics

Discuss your intentions to play college athletics with your counselor during your freshman and sophomore year to ensure that you are eligible for recruitment.

Junior Year:

• Register for the ACT and/or SAT and select the NCAA Eligibility Center code (9999) as a score recipient.
• During the spring, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
  1. Click on:  Prospective Student-Athletes.
  2. In the left column, click on:  Registration for U.S. Students (LHS code is 362-235).
  3. You will need a Social Security # and credit card for the application fee.
  4. Print copy 1 and copy 2 of the transcript request form and give them to your high school counselor.  The Guidance Office will send a copy of your official high school transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Senior Year:

• Request final high school transcript for the NCAA Eligibility Center.

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