The college application process has wasted no time in picking up steam. With September already behind us, applicants are zeroing in on their perfect college essay topic, the college lists are coming together, and those first deadlines looming on the horizon.
Establishing a timeline and working steadily on the applications is a proven way of staying on task, not missing any deadlines and keeping the stress at bay. Whether well ahead or just beginning, the following points will ensure this can be accomplished.
• SAT/ACT - The next SAT will be Oct. 6th with scores available just in time for the early November Early Decision, Early Action and Priority deadlines. The following test date is Nov 3rd with a registration deadline of Oct 5th.
The ACT will be offered on Oct 27th with a Sept 29th- October 14th late registration with a fee.
FREE November SAT registration and CSS Profile fee waivers are available for students affected by Hurricane Florence. Check here for additional details.
All students should check to see if they are eligible for fee waivers. Note: Already have a few favorite schools? Take advantage of the free score reports offered by both the SAT and ACT when registering.
• Common App - Complete the Common App without forgetting to proof the entire application carefully, and to do the FERPA section. If your high school using Naviance, make sure that you have linked it to your Common App.
• Coalition App - Common App’s newest competitor, the Coalition App could be a better option for some applicants.
• Common Black College App (HBCU) - Those interested in applying to an historically black college or university should use the Common Black College Application. For only $35 the student’s application will be available to all 53 members.
• College List - A well balanced list of reach, target and safety schools (both academically & financially) should be the goal of every applicant.
• College Essay - The applicant’s only opportunity to use their voice, your college essay can break or break the changes of gaining admission. Don’t take it lightly!
• Campus Visits - Crucial to selecting which to apply to, campus visits are a must for all students applying to college. These visits are worth their weight in gold when it comes to providing students with information, so visit as many as possible.
• FAFSA & CSS Profile - Beginning October 1st high school seniors who plan on applying to college in the next few months, or current college students who will returning to college next year, can begin to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for the 2019-2020 academic year.
• International Students - These applicants have their own set of application challenges with the key being starting early enough to successfully accomplish all the admission requirements before the deadlines.
Lastly, it is very important to keep your guidance counselor informed of your plans. Let them know where you are applying and which deadlines you have selected because they need to be given enough time to submit the documents.
Need help? College apps Made Easy is just an email away.
