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June To-Dos

Seniors

  • Respond to materials you are getting from your intended college in a timely manner. Take advantage of pre-orientation programs if offered.
  • Prepare well for orientation by reviewing your course options and developing a list of questions for your advisor.
  • Shore up skills such as time management by determining your planning strategies in college (planner, calendars). Put in place a “toolbox” of stress-busting strategies such as meditation apps for your smart phone,

Four Tips For Reporting SAT, ACT and AP Scores To Colleges

Fall of senior year is here and it is time to decide if you will take advantage of test-optional policies or report your official ACT or SAT scores to colleges.

1: Decide if you are submitting scores.
Check the college’s website to determine if it is “test-optional.” Most colleges have continued their test-optional policies. If tests are required, you must report or send your best ACT or SAT score(s). Plan ahead because some colleges require the scores to be in your file by the application…

November To-Dos

Seniors
  • Write thank you letters to the teachers, counselor, and others who wrote recommendations on your behalf. They spend a great deal of time writing your recommendation so showing your appreciation is essential.
  • Plan to submit all your applications prior to the December vacation so you can enjoy some well-deserved time off. This means you should be working on your supplemental essays this month.
  • Continue to schedule and prepare for virtual or campus interviews (if offered,

October To-Do List

 
 
Seniors
  • If you are applying early, watch deadlines (many are November 1) and complete early decision agreements.
  • If applicable, make sure to send your official test scores via College Board or ACT.
  • Put the finishing touches on your essays and applications and have someone who understands the college essay proof them.
  • Parents: Complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile for Financial Aid. Students: Research and apply for scholarships.
Juniors
  • Begin reflecting on what you are seeking

Acing The College Admissions Interview

Fall is here, and that means that some colleges will be holding admissions interviews with prospective applicants. The admissions interview is a place for the admissions representative (or someone else connected to the school) to see another side of you. It is also a chance for you to get an insider’s view of the college or to explain an inconsistency in your academic record in a personal, heartfelt way. To help you make the most of this opportunity, here is some advice on…

Five Tips For College Visits

Students should plan to visit at least some of the colleges they are considering. In fact, campus visits can be the most important factor in helping prospective students assess whether a college’s location, academic offerings, atmosphere, and community are a good fit.

  1. Visit at the Right Time.

So you have an upcoming break from school—that’s an obvious time for a college visit, right? Not so fast. If you have a long holiday weekend, or a school vacation, the college you plan to …

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September To-Do List

Seniors
  • Finalize your main essay and complete your common application so you may begin focusing on your supplementary essays.
  • Finalize your college list, think about Early Decision and Early Action plans, and schedule interviews, if offered.  
  • If you are applying early by November 1 or to a rolling admissions college, complete the following by October 1st: if you are submitting scores, send your official test scores via College Board or ACT, request transcripts and confirm

How Not to Write an Admissions Essay: Pitfalls You Can (and Should) Avoid

There are many ways to write a college admissions essay, and students’ approaches range from the meticulous (pre-writing, outlining, and then writing) to the more free form. While we have offered advice on how to write the admissions essay, giving you advice on what to do is only part of the story. Here are some things that you should avoid when writing your college admissions essay (or any essay for that matter):

1. Writing Too Much – The Common Application main essay has a 650 word…

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August To-Dos

Rising Seniors
  • Set a goal to complete the main section of either the Common Application (available August 1) or the less frequently used Coalition Application before school starts including your personal essay.
  • Work with your consultant on a strategy for each supplemental essay and a timeline to complete them.
  • If you think you will need any additional testing—SAT or ACT, register now for the September or October administrations.
  • Remember your senior year grades are very

July To-Dos

Rising Seniors
  • Identify which of your colleges are offering online or in-person interviews this summer and begin scheduling them.
  • Book a meeting with your consultant to rehearse key messages about yourself, prepare questions and do a mock interview before the first interview.
  • Set a goal to complete the main section of the Common Application, including the personal essay, before school starts. You should plan to complete your personal essay by the end of July unless you made

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