Senior Year

Things Seniors Need To Do:

College Applications: The Basics:

Each college application has different sections to it.

  • There will always be a part for the student to complete.
  • Many college applications will have a part for the counselor to complete. This section goes by different names. Some of the most popular titles are: Secondary School Report, Counselor Statement, Counselor Page, and High School Page.
  • Some college applications also have a section for a teacher to complete.
  • College applications should be completed online.
  • All colleges will need to receive your high school transcript as part of the application process.
  • MAKE SURE YOU CAREFULLY READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR EACH APPLICATION YOU COMPLETE.

Deadlines/Admission Choices:

There are different types of application deadlines:

  • Rolling Admissions = decisions are made about applicants as the applications are received and reviewed. It is sort of a "first come, first served" basis.
  • Regular Decision = there is a set deadline by which your application must be received in order to be considered for admission. Notification occurs at a set date.
  • Early Decision = must attend if you are admitted to this school. You can only apply to one school with this designation. Notification is usually much earlier than regular decision date.
  • Early Action = early notification of admission status. If you apply by an early fall deadline, you will be notified by an earlier date if you are admitted, denied, or deferred to regular decision.
  • PAY ATTENTION TO THE DEADLINES YOUR COLLEGES USE.

Letters of Recommendation

  • It is common courtesy to ask a reference for a letter of recommendation well in advance of the deadline.
  • Teachers and counselors need to be notified at least 3 weeks before the deadline for a letter of recommendation.
  • There is a form called the "senior brag sheet" or the "self-assessment form" that should be completed and submitted to your counselor if a letter of recommendation is required from your counselor. You can also use this form to submit to teachers or other references.
  • Make sure you read the instructions on the college application to see if letters of recommendation are required.
  • If you need letters of recommendation, make sure you read the instructions for how the college wants you to send those letters.
  • Sometimes the colleges have very specific instructions for how they want to receive a letter of recommendation.
  • If there are not specific instructions, you can have the letters submitted a few ways:
  • Provide the recommender with a stamped, addressed envelope for them to mail the letter directly to the school.
  • Have the recommender return the letter to the counseling center to be mailed.
  • Have the recommender return the letter to you so that you can mail it to the college.
  • ALWAYS ASK TEACHERS/COUNSELORS BEFORE YOU EXPECT THEM TO WRITE LETTERS FOR YOU.

HOW TO SUBMIT COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

In-State Colleges

  • Apply online through the college website.
  • If you need a letter of recommendation from a teacher, you may either give the teachers stamped and addressed envelopes so they can mail them or have the teachers bring the letters to the Counseling Center for mailing. Always refer to the college's information to see if there are specific instructions for submitting letters of recommendation.

Out-of-State Colleges

  • Apply online through the college website.
  • Print out the counselor section of the application and bring it to the Counseling Center.
  • If you need a letter of recommendation from a teacher, you may either give the teachers stamped and addressed envelopes or have the teachers bring the letters to the Counseling Center for mailing. Always refer to the college's information to see if there are specific instructions for submitting letters of recommendation.

The Common Application: https://www.commonapp.org/Login

  • The Common Application is a way to apply to many schools with just one application.
  • Not all colleges use the Common Application so make sure you check to see if using this application fits your needs.
  • The Common Application has a section for the student, a section for the counselor, and a section for teachers.
  • A WRITTEN LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION IS REQUIRED WITH THE COUNSELOR AND TEACHER PARTS OF THE COMMON APPLICATION.
  • You will need 1 or 2 letters of recommendation.
  • Please visit Common App website to start the application process: https://www.commonapp.org/Login