College Admissions Process

Senior Year

Students take the last rounds of ACT and SAT testing (including SAT IIs if needed), and make last-minute visits to colleges, complete and submit college applications, and search for financial aid and scholarship resources. Students should keep grades in current courses as high as possible, and enjoy the last months and weeks of high school. Students will also be waiting on the postman in order to make that final decision about where to attend college!

Parents begin to feel some of the pulling-away process during this time. This is a year of “lasts” — the last sports camp, the last homecoming, the last prom, and finally, graduation -- the last time seniors are required to be at FRA. This is an emotional year for both seniors and their parents. Although it may be difficult at times, parents need to be supportive of students during this senior year. Students are anxious to experience that change and to “fly away on wings of independence.” Just remember, we’ve all been where the seniors are — they do come home!

Plan of Action for Senior Year

Fall

Attend college visits to FRA. Keep an open mind. Renew old contacts. Take college weekends, if needed.
Sign-up for the senior testing of ACT and SAT.
Turn in all school forms to the college counselor: Teacher Recommendations, Secondary School Report Forms, Mid-Year Report Forms, etc.
Plan college visits for the fall and schedule interviews.

September

Narrow the college list down to the final six. Have a “reach” or two, some good, solid choices, and at least one absolute lock.
If applying Early Decision or Early Action, get applications completed.
Try to finish all applications which do not involve essays.

October

Take the ACT and SAT. Sign-up for the December testing if necessary — especially for SAT IIs.
Complete all essays for all applications to be submitted.

November

Take the SAT.
Try to finish all applications and turn these in to the college counselor.

December

All applications are due December 1st.
Take another round of ACT and SAT or SAT II.

January

Complete financial aid forms, if appropriate.
Attend any financial aid workshops offered.

February

Wait for the mailman to bring your acceptances!
Start applying for scholarships. Check the bulletin board in the hallway outside the College Counseling Offices at least weekly.

March

Be patient! It will seem like it takes forever, especially if you live in an area where mail is still delivered by mule. Remember, college admissions offices work as rapidly as they can.

Spring

Hear from colleges. Make college decisions. Inform colleges of your decision. Make any last college visits necessary to reach a decision.

Note: Unless a student has received a rejection letter, students should advise colleges to which they applied, if a decision not to attend that college has been made. Other students will be waiting on your decision.

May

Finish the year strong academically. Concentrate on graduating well.
Take Advanced Placement exams, if scheduled.
Look for a summer job.
If attending Summer School, take courses which will transfer and apply to a major. Consult your college counselors. Remember that there are application and registration deadlines for Summer School.

Summer

Have fun, work, and attend scheduled summer classes.
Visit colleges to register for fall classes or attend orientation meetings.
Make a list of all the things needed for college. Use money wisely. Look for items which are on sale. Make major purchases after talking to your roommate.

August

Contact your roommate. Agree to share TVs, stereos, refrigerators, carpeting, bedspreads and curtains, shelving, etc. Try not to share the cost of any major purchase.
Remember to complete all forms and pay all fees as directed by the college.
Check all lists. Make sure that everything is complete before you leave home.
Remember to take emergency phone numbers.
CONGRATULATIONS! Use this exciting opportunity to apply everything that your parents, teachers, and friends have taught you. Use the lessons you have learned to accomplish the goals you have set. Remember to maintain a proper balance of studying socializing, working, and resting.

Back: What to do Junior Year