As the grey days of winter fade, you may be feeling all kinds of emotions! This is a really exciting time and I hope that knowing you have great college options to choose from helps keep your nerves at bay. Here are the things to do and keep your eyes on:
Award Comparison Tab now available
This tab is now viewable on your College Companion Spreadsheet.
Keep your grades strong - avoid senioritis!
Colleges have the right to rescind offers of admission if your grades drop significantly during your senior year. Keep your grades up and finish your high school years strong. They admitted you, assuming you would continue to perform academically at the same level noted on your transcript. If your grades have significantly changed, please contact me so we can craft a letter to your admission counselor explaining your circumstances. Read more here…
Compare Financial Aid awards
Use the "Award Comparison" tab in your College Companion spreadsheet to compare financial aid awards and costs of attendance across all of your colleges. If you would like help filling out this spreadsheet or have other questions, please let me know. I am happy to set up an appointment!
Track important dates and information requests from your colleges.
These include admitted student day invites, housing information, deposit deadlines (typically May 1), and requests for additional information.
Attend admitted student events
Attending an admitted student event is a great way to meet other students attending the same college as you. These events may also include information about orientation, course registration, housing, and other helpful sessions to get you ready to come to campus. Watch for emails about admitted student events to your student portal and personal email account.
Check the enrollment deadlines for your colleges
You must submit your enrollment deposit to one school (no more than one) before the school's enrollment deadline, usually May 1. Your offer of admission and college checklists will have this date on them. You can also check the admission office website to confirm this date. You can submit this deposit before the deadline if you have already decided where to go.
Send a "thanks but no thanks" email or letter to the schools you won't be attending. You can find an example letter in your Digital Binder.
Waitlisted?
The last round of admissions decisions will arrive between now and early April. If you are waitlisted at your top school, please let me know, and we can discuss your strategy.
Prepare for AP exams
Good luck to those of you who are taking AP exams in May! Spend some time preparing for the exam to earn the highest score possible. Khan Academy offers free preparation courses for AP coursework and exams.Scores of 3, 4, or 5 may qualify for college credit. You can find your college's AP credit policies on the college's website. You can also ask your admission counselor for information about the score you need to receive credit for AP coursework.