Seniors: October Checklist

Oh yes, October is busy

  • Finalize your college list and complete your applications for early decision and early action schools. If you are applying early, make sure your Naviance is updated and tell your counselor and recommenders of your plan.
  •  See which schools on your list have Rolling Admissions. Make a plan to send these applications in early and make sure you request transcripts and test scores to be sent so your application is complete.
  •  Make sure you have established an application account online for each college on your list.
  • Request official transcripts be sent to each college on your list, except UC and CSU campuses. For schools on the Common Application, your counselor should send a transcript as part of the SSR (secondary school report). Your high school counselor will likely give you instructions on how to request transcripts. Be sure to follow all instructions and meet all deadlines.
  •  Check in with your recomenders to see if there is any helpful information you can provide to them.
  • Begin to complete your college applications usually in the order of the application deadline. Share the calendar we have made with your family. Set aside a few hours on the weekend to print out and review applications with your family before submitting.
  • Read the blog post about applying to UC Campuses. Then start filling out the application. You cannot send in your application until the filing period of November 1-30.
  • Once you have submitted any college applications, check your college email every day. Many schools will send invitations to create a student portal account so you can see if you are missing any documents or if your application is complete. They will only notify students of missing documents via email.
  • Look at the TESTING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS for each school on your list and determine what test scores you need to send and if they participate in score choice. Determine if you need to send any SAT 2 scores. Make a plan to send the appropriate test scores to the schools on your list. This will take longer than you think!!!**** Ask me to print out your Testing Requirements Report from Mycca at your next appointment as a place to start.
  • Schedule an appointment to review all college essays/personal statements with your counselor and/or your English teacher. You already have a solid start to your essays, now is the time to focus on moving your words from good to great. Be ready for feedback and really work hard to incorporate ideas and examples that put your best foot forward. Have someone in your house read your essay as well.
  • Make a list of all  of the essays and supplements you need to write, by college.
  • If you are applying to private schools, you and your family need to fill out the CSS PROFILE. Please check the financial aid websites for all of the schools you are applying to early (action or decision) to see when you need to file the CSS profile and the FASFA. THE DATES CAN BE EARLY!