I've applied to college(s). Now what?!

Hi Fives, Seniors! 

You've submitted college applications and are opening doors for your future....It's important to have a few choices and there is still plenty of time to apply to other schools. But what else can you be working on?

1. Fill out the FAFSA! Most of you have done this but if you haven't THE TIME IS NOW! Let's set up an appointment to get this done! 

2. Keep your grades up. I know it's hard as you get further along in your Senior Year. Senioritis is REAL! But your grades STILL matter. Your colleges will get your Final Transcript and they can 'un-admit' you. 

3. Check your COLLEGE email! Make sure the admissions office has all of your application pieces. Your colleges will send you information about establishing an email account with them. YOU HAVE TO CHECK THIS REGULARLY! If you don't, you could miss out on deadlines, $cholarship opportunities, and other important information. If you have trouble remembering user names and passwords, make sure to make a note in your phone so you can log in!

4. Apply for ALL of the $cholar$hips! Seriously, apply for as many as you can. Use the Scholarship List on the right side of this page and consider setting up a Fastweb.com search that will email you scholarships you are eligible to receive! 

The Final Countdown

CLASS of 2017!

The end of your high school career is well within sight. STAY STRONG! I know the pull of Senioritis is present but USE THE FORCE! You've worked so hard to get to this point. Be sure to finish high school with your head up and your best foot forward! 

Use this tool to help you identify the best school for you based on financial aid. Have conversations with people who you trust and who know you well about your choice of school.

Pay attention to deadlines!!!! 

Put important dates on your calendar with reminders. I don't want you to miss your chance to attend your #1 school! 

Please use the checklist below to stay on track for your post-secondary plans!

____ Log into your college student portal regularly!  Look for red flags that will tell you if you are missing any information or need to sign off on any documents, for example, financial aid documents.

____ Check your college email daily.  You will get important notifications through that email account. Be sure to read them, respond as needed and delete or archive to keep your inbox clutter free.

____ Take any required placement tests (for example, the Accuplacer).

____ If you are living on campus, make sure that you have signed up for the residence halls and put down a deposit by the deadline.

____ Provide any information to health services, for example, immunization records. Many campuses will put a hold on your record if you have not submitted this information.

____ Sign up for campus health insurance or provide proof that you have health insurance.

____ Sign up for and attend Orientation! Keep track of any info and To Do Lists they may provide you. 

____ Stay in contact with the financial aid office to make sure that your aid has been applied to your account. You may also be able to check your college student portal for this information. If aid is not applied and you have not set up a payment plan, you may be dropped from your classes. 

As always, let me know if you have any questions!