SeniorS: cOLLEGE Timeline

Despite the hysteria surrounding college admissions, the process is fairly straightforward. Before you get swept up in the panic, here’s an overview of the Senior timeline. Follow these guidelines on what you should be doing and when and you will greatly reduce your stress level.

Check out the NACAC Guide to the College Admissions Process for more helpful tips.

 

    • Meet with your Guidance Counselor to check on graduation requirements and schedule a meeting with the FHS College Advisor to help with your planning.

    • On Naviance, begin to narrow your long list of “Thinking About” schools to those that you will be “Applying To” (typically from 8-10). Make sure you include Reach, Target, and Safety schools.

    • Attend the Senior Parent Night presentation at FHS. The program will address the college application process and financial aid.

    • Request Teacher and Guidance recommendations in-person and through Naviance.

    • Complete a Brag sheet and make sure those writing a recommendation (Teacher and Guidance Counselor) have a copy.

    • Create a calendar of admission and financial aid deadlines.

    • Finalize the Common Application if applying to any Common Applications schools. We recommend you have an English Teacher, Guidance Counselor or Parent review your Common Application Essay.

    • Continue to keep your grades up as first and second quarter grades will be sent to the colleges to which you apply.

    • Take the SATs/ACTs again, if needed, and have scores sent to colleges, if required.

    • Complete the Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA and CSS Profile) and submit. Prepare Early Decision/Early Action applications as soon as possible. Many schools have a target date of November 1-15. (Note: Early Decision is binding while Early Action is not).

    • Hand in Transcript Request Forms to the Guidance Office if applying early (at least two weeks prior to any deadlines).

    • Continue to enjoy extracurricular activities.

    • Prepare to submit Regular Decision applications in advance of deadlines. DO NOT MISS DEADLINES!

    • Clean up social media accounts.

    • Research and apply for Scholarships. See Naviance for websites like www.fastweb.com and watch for emails from Guidance re: local and outside scholarships.

    • For Regular Decision applications, follow-up with Teachers and Guidance Counselors regarding recommendations.

    • Submit applications to colleges before the winter break so you can relax and enjoy the time off.

    • If you applied Early Action or Early Decision, be prepared to receive a decision before winter break. This decision can be an Acceptance, a Deferral, or Denial. Based on Early Decisions, reassess your college list and go to Plan B if necessary.

    • Submit final applications.

    • Follow-up with schools to make sure applications are complete.

    • You will be receiving information on the Town Scholarships from the Guidance Office. There are lots of local scholarships available, so make sure you apply and pay close attention to the deadlines.

    • Watch out for Senioritis and continue to stay engaged with school.

    • Keep researching and applying for scholarships, both through the town and nationally.

    • Continue to monitor your acceptances and compare your Financial Aid Awards from those schools to which you have been admitted. If still undecided about college plans, attend the College Admissions Panel Night at FHS with presentations from Admissions Reps from two and four year colleges.

    • Start to think about your summer plans including work, internships and travel.

    • Attend online or in-person “Admitted Student” events at the colleges you are considering. Try to visit your final college before accepting.

    • If Wait-Listed by a college, let the Admissions Office know if you intend to enroll if accepted and ask how to strengthen your application.

    • Choose your college and submit the deposit (most schools have a May 1 deadline). Inform every college of your acceptance or rejection of their offer or admission.

    • It is very important to keep your grades up as colleges will receive your final transcript. Inform Guidance of where you wish to have your final transcript sent.

    • If you are not attending college right after high school, make sure to meet with Guidance to discuss your plans. There are countless opportunities beyond traditional four-year colleges including: two-year degree & certificate programs at Massachusetts Community Colleges and private colleges, part-time evening continuing education programs, a gap year, a post-graduate year, the military, working, apprenticeships, trade & technical programs, City Year, AmeriCorps, and many others.

    • Take AP Tests, if applicable, and have results sent to the college you will attend - you may be awarded college credit.

    • Research first-year housing options and connect with potential roommates.

    • Happy Graduation! You’re off to the next chapter of your life. Enjoy the journey!