The finish line for your furious fall is in sight! You have accomplished so much and your application look great. Keep up the great work - you’re almost there! As we are knee-deep in the application process, I thought this quote might resonate with you -
“Determination is doing what needs to be done even when you don’t feel like doing it.” – unknown
The last day to have any essays or applications reviewed is Dec. 17th. All application, portfolio, and essay work must be completed and ready for review by this date, even for applications with early January deadlines. Final fall application review meetings will take place the week of Dec. 15th. Late work will not be reviewed after Dec. 17th - no exceptions.
Complete the FAFSA if you plan to! The FAFSA is live now and anyone can complete it. Make sure you are tracking the financial aid filing deadlines for the FAFSA and CSS Profile if you plan to submit these forms. Check with your admission counselor or a financial aid office for assistance.
Interviews! Have you registered for an interview with a college or scholarship committee? Please let me know! We’ll talk about how to present your best self in the interview and go through a mock interview together. If you have registered for an interview with a college, read this: College Interview Tips and Strategies: The Ultimate Guide
Keep Copies of Your Applications! If you have not already done so, download copies of your applications for your records. The copies serve as a back-up of your work and proof that you submitted your documents on time.
Check Applicant Portals and Email Accounts Often! Be on the lookout for an email from your college within 48 hours of submitting with information on how to set up your portal. Check your applicant portals and emails: Portals are the place where colleges keep applicant information and where you can update contact information, monitor application status, upload and track documents, and view the final admission decision. If you miss a request for more information or a document, it could jeopardize your admission chances, so make it a habit to check regularly. If your portal states that supporting documentation is missing, take swift action and reach out to me or your high school counselor for assistance.
Mid-Year Grade Reports
Some of your colleges require mid-year grade reports. The CommonApp can tell you if your college requires one. If you have applied to a school using a different application, react out to your admission counselor to see if they want mid-year grades.
Be sure to keep your grades strong! Each year I hear about students having their admission decisions changed or rescinded due to low senior year grades. Don’t let this happen to you! Colleges admit students based on the assumption that you will continue to perform well in your classes. Be sure to communicate with your school/college counselor about any mid-year reports that will be required. You can see if a mid-year grade report is required by looking at the College Information in your CommonApp account or by asking your admission counselor directly.
Running Start Students
Now that you’ve registered for your winter term classes, you need to email your updated schedule to your admission counselors at the colleges you have applied to. If you still have applications to be submitted, you need to update your senior year classes to reflect your winter term schedule.
Give Thanks! Share gratitude with your teachers, couselor, and any others who wrote letters of recommendation for you. Here is a great blog post from Hallmark about thank you note ideas.