High School Senior College Checklist - College Tips for Students & Families

 

 

So, you are a high school senior, now what? Or should I say, you're a parent of a high school senior, now what? 

If you are a high school senior or the parent of a high school senior, you are likely getting into panic mode. The senior year is about to start, are you ready?

I am not a guidance counselor, but I am a mom of five, who has just gone through senior year with our oldest son. I do not want to scare you, but it will be stressful at times, so enjoy the moments, where it is not because these are the moments that will get you through the hard ones. 

While I should be starting at the beginning of freshman year, or even in middle school, I am going to start with senior year, because of recent conversations that I have had with parents of college seniors. Some of the things I list below should have been done earlier, but this is the time to make sure that you can check off each item on the list. 

If you are not yet a high school senior or the parent of one, I applaud you for starting early. The earlier you can start thinking about college the better. 

 

Parents, before you go on to check out the high school senior college checklist, I want to remind you that this is the time that we need to let our children fly. It is hard, believe me, I know. It is stressful, believe me, I know. It is going to seem impossible at times, believe me, I know. 

Your children will need your help and guidance, but as much as you possibly can, let them lead. So, after you read this High School Senior Checklist, encourage your students to do the same.

Students, you are here for a reason. If you are here, it means you are ready to reach for your future. Applying to college is overwhelming, and the cost of getting an education is ridiculous, but do not let these be obstacles, let your frustration catapult you into finding ways of financing your college dreams without accruing any student loans.

High School Senior College Checklist:

• Apply for Scholarships!
  
• Meet With Your Student Counselor/College Advisor 
• Make Sure You're on Track to Graduate - Don't Forget That Online Class. 
• Talk to Your Parents About Your Family's Financial Situation.
• Get your SAT/ACT/College Application Fee Waivers 
• Study for the SATs and ACTs
  
• Take the SATs and the ACTs 
• Keep Your Grades Up!
• Student Athletes - Get On Colleges' Radar
• Update Your Resume
  
• Apply for scholarships!
• Pick Your Top 10 Colleges
• Research These Colleges
• Create a Profile for Each College
• Start Writing Your College Essays
• College Athletes Check Your List
  
• Start Asking for Letters of Recommendations
• Fill out the FAFSA 
• Narrow Down Your List of Colleges to Your Top 5 - If Possible
  
• Apply to Your Top Colleges
• Review each College Acceptance Carefully and Scrutinize each Financial Aid Package.
• Make Your Decision and Commit
• Apply for more scholarships! 
  

 

High School Senior College Checklist
 

Contacting Your Guidance Counselor/College Advisor:

If you have not done so already, it is essential that you set up an appointment to meet with your guidance counselor/college advisor as soon as possible. College counselors and guidance counselors have invaluable experience that you should take advantage of, and they can help you get on the right track. 

Still, I always remind students (and parents) that guidance counselors are overburdened in today's public school system, so you cannot rely solely on them to guide you forward at every step, as they have hundreds of students to help each year. You need to be your own advocate. In fact, it is important that you do your due diligence and research each college, your financial situation, and your options.

When contacting your counselor:

• Be polite, courteous, and to the point when you email.
• If you don't hear back in 3 days, send a polite email confirming that your email was received. (If your email is not at the top of the inbox, it will easily be forgotten.)
  
• Show up on time and be prepared.
• Prepare a list of colleges that you are interested in.
• Prepare a list of questions you may have.
  
• Ask your counselor to verify that you are on track to graduate.
• Verify that you have your online class credit - if required.
• Bring your community service forms - if required.
• Go over your GPA.
• Make sure you get a checklist written down with the dates and deadlines you need to meet. 
• If you have not done so already, get your SAT/ACT/NCAA/College Application Fee Waiver. 
• Follow up. Make sure to follow up with your guidance counselor, if you were asked for more information, asked to sign up for an online class, the SAT/ACT, etc.
  

 

Talk to Your Parents or Guardians About Finances:

I cannot emphasize this enough. The earlier that you can have a conversation about finances, the better. Do you qualify for the SAT/ACT/college application fee waiver? Will you qualify for financial aid, and if so, how much? 

Research the financial aid guidelines and see where your family fits. Do you need to get a job (if you don't have one already)? Can your parents contribute towards your tuition, room, and board, or are you on your own? Is it feasible for you to go to a college out of town/state? Do you qualify for Bright Futures? Are you on track to get your AICE Diploma? If you are a high school athlete, did you take the steps needed to be recruited?

If your family's income is right at the top of the income limits to qualify for Medicaid, free and reduced lunch, and financial aid, then take a serious look at whether having a job in high school will hurt or help you in the long run. You may be better off focusing on volunteering and getting your grades up because a job in high school can take up a lot of time, time you could be using to focus on your studies, but it could also hurt your chances of getting the financial aid you need. I know it seems counterproductive, but it is the sad truth of the state of college costs in our country.

As a personal example, we tell our kids that until they turn 18 their focus needs to be on school. School is their job. 

Getting a full scholarship can be up to $70,000 per year. The maximum federal financial aid/Federal Pell Grant Award available for 2021/2022 is $6,495. What high school student can earn that through an after-school job? 

I am not saying that working in high school does not have benefits. It has many benefits, but I urge all families to take a look at their finances and what they qualify for, and the earlier the better. When you apply for financial aid, you usually have to supply your tax returns from years prior. As an example, the 2021-2022 FAFSA application asked for 2019 tax returns, and you need to fill out the FAFSA the year before you start college. 

Colleges usually follow the federal income guidelines, and some colleges even promise that if your family's income is under a certain level, you will not incur costs. Six of the Ivy League colleges: Brown, Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, UPenn, and Yale have made a promise to meet 100 percent of a family's demonstrated financial need without using loans in the financial aid packages - and dreamers are eligible too. There is no reason, why we should not have students from West Augustine go to Harvard?

Being smart about your financial future is not cheating, it is necessary preparation for your own and your family's future.

 

Get your SAT/ACT/College Application Fee Waivers:

If you qualify for free and reduced lunch, you will be able to get a free SAT/ACT waiver for 2 free tests per year, and you will also be able to get a college application fee waiver, meaning that you will not have to pay the application fees which range from $30 - $100 per college. You can learn more about the SAT/ACT and College application fee waiver here.

 

Take the SATs and the ACTs :

If you have not already taken the SAT and ACT, this is the time to do so. If you have been studying, go ahead and schedule it as soon as possible. There are not that many dates available, and they usually fill up quickly.

If you took your SAT and ACT already, you may want to retake it to see if you can improve your score. You only have to send your best test results to the colleges you apply for. If you have the free fee waiver, you will be able to send your results to the colleges of your choice for free.

You can get free SAT prep help at Khan Academy.

 

Keep Your Grades Up:

Yes, senior year is about having fun, but do not let the fun spoil your chances for admittance into your top college choice or ruin your chances already. While junior year is truly when you have to buckle down and kick your GPA into high gear, your grades still count. Depending on when you apply for colleges, whether it is in the early fall or early spring, your colleges will see your grades.

If you take AICE, honors classes, and dual enrollment these count too. Make sure you pay careful attention in your AICE classes and take good notes so that you can pass that AICE exam at the end, which will give you college credit. 

If you have a problem in a class, do whatever you can not to fall behind. Ask for tutoring at your school and take advantage of all the great free tutoring RESET offers. 

Student-Athletes:

The student-athlete college application process is a bit different than for other high school students, but the above checklist still applies, you just have a few more hoops to jump through. 

By the start of your senior year, you should already have been contacted by colleges, and you should have registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center by the end of your junior year.

There are strict rules in place for how colleges can contact student-athletes, and the entire topic of the student-athlete recruiting process deserves an article by itself. I want to emphasize the need to seek guidance from your coach and your high school's athletic department, and the earlier the better. 

For now, let's go over some of the steps and ways that you can put yourself on colleges' radar. 

The three big organizations for connecting athletes with colleges and scholarships are:

• The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
• The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
• The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

How to get on a College Recruiter's Radar:

• Have your coach reach out to a college that you are interested in on your behalf.
• Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse/Eligibility Center by the end of your junior year. 
• Submit your transcripts to the Eligibility Center 
• When you register for the ACT/SAT you can request that your results will be sent directly to the Eligibility Center.
• Students who are eligible for the SAT/ACT Waiver are also eligible to get the NCAA Eligibility Center fee waived.
• It is important that you get as much game time as possible.
• Joining a travel team will increase your chances of being noticed by athletic recruiters.
• The signing date varies depending on the sport you play, so do your research. 
• Make connections.
• Create highlight videos to share.
• Work on your image. How can you get your name in front of the colleges?
• An offer from a college is not set in stone until you sign the National Letter of Intent during your senior year in High School.
• Stay eligible! Keep your GPA up during your senior year.
• Check out the NCAA Recruitment  Calendar for your sport for more guidance.
• Create a list of your target colleges.
• Collect emails and phone numbers for the coaches.
• Submit an athletic interest form to colleges.
• Send a detailed resume of your accomplishments and include your transcripts and test scores.
• Send off your highlight tapes. 
• Research the colleges, so they know you're truly interested.
• Always be polite and respond promptly to emails and phone calls from coaches and colleges.
• Know the recruiting rules, academic requirements, and eligibility information.
• Remember that it is your responsibility, not your coach's or your parents' responsibility, to ensure that you are marketed in the right light to colleges.

Thank you to SAHS Girl's Basketball Varsity Coach Eric Hancock for helping me understand the recruitment process better.

Update Your Resume:

Whether you are just cruising by, or whether you are an outstanding academic, or a student-athlete...or maybe all three or neither, you must take an analytical look at how a college, a college recruiter, or a college coach may view your overall resume and character. 

Colleges do not look solely at GPAs, classes taken, or athletic accomplishments. They look for students, who will fit in at their college, students who will succeed. So, show them your character and show them just what a well-rounded student you will be at their college. Show them why they need to choose you.

 

Analyze Your Resume:

• GPA
• Classes taken.
• Volunteer experience
• Work experience
• Athletic accomplishments
• Awards and honors
• Leadership activities
• Club participation
• Extras
  

GPA matters so do what you can to get it as high as possible. 

Take classes that challenge you to show colleges that you are more than ready for college-level classes.

I put volunteer experience before work experience on purpose, because volunteering your time, giving back to your community, and helping others not only show character, but it shows leadership too and you are doing good at the same time. 

When it comes to work experience, colleges realize that many students rely on jobs in high school just to get by, to save up for college, and to pay for the costs of senior year. If you have a job, highlight how your job shows you are a responsible, reliable, hard-working student, and emphasize any leadership skills you have gained from your job.

Pick Your Top 10 Colleges:

Applying to college can be overwhelming both for students and parents. This is why it is so important to try to find a focus. I recommend picking your top 10 colleges, but whether it is 5, 10, 15, or 20 that is up to you. As long as you do your research, do your due diligence, and do not waste time on a college application if you do not truly feel it is a choice for you. 

The reality is that in-state tuition is a lot more affordable than out-of-state tuition, and you have a greater chance that the college accept your dual enrollment and AICE credits if you apply to a college in Florida. That being said, don't limit yourself. If you dream of going to a college out of state, apply. Just do your research. While Ivy League colleges may not accept your AICE or dual enrollment credits, these classes will get you in the door.

If possible, sign up for college tours, view the virtual college tours, and get to know the college's website.

Create a Word/google document or create an email draft, where you list all of the colleges, and then add the pivotal information to create a college profile. Add the pros and cons, tuition cost, etc.

Don't limit yourself because of tuition costs. Many times, private colleges will be more than helpful in getting you the scholarships and any aid you need. Submit your application, get your acceptance letter, and then work from there. The most important thing is that you do not count on acceptance from one specific college, make sure to give yourself options, and make sure to leave at least one low-cost option in your selection just in case you do not get the scholarships you need.

Start Writing Your College Essays:

Did you start writing your college essays this summer? If not, there is still time, but the earlier you start the better. Look at the application for each college (or at the Common App) and write down the essay question in your college profile.

I always advise that, if possible, choose a topic that is personal to you and that will bring out emotion in the reader. 

Write the essay and rewrite it. Get your parents to read it and give feedback, then go back and read it again. Get your friends to read it, and ask your teachers, your mentors, and any writers you know. Feedback is important. A second set of eyes is important. 

So, if you're applying for 5 - 10 different colleges, it is important to start now. Start early. Don't wait until the last minute, don't rush.

You can read my detailed guide on How to Write an Essay for College Applications That Will Make You Stand Out here.

 

Create A College Profile for each of your Top 10 Colleges:

• View each college's application.
• Write down their application deadlines.
• Write down their essay topic.
• Write down the number of recommendations needed and the recommendation requirements.
• Write down the cost - tuition and board. 
• Research your dream major at that college.
  
• Research scholarships that the college offers - merit-based, sports, community service, presidential scholarships, etc.
• Verify whether the college will accept your dual enrollment credits/AICE/IB credits etc. 

 

Start Asking for Letters of Recommendation:

When it comes to references and letters of recommendation there are three points that I would like to emphasize.

• Plan early 
• Do your research
  
• Ask early 

Planning Your Letters of Recommendations:

• Who to ask?
• What are the guidelines?
• Give your recommenders time
• Be respectful and appreciative
  

 

When it comes to planning, the earlier the better. Since middle school, you have created relationships through your sports, clubs, extracurricular activities, volunteering, work, school, and more. This is where you will be looking for the person(s) to ask for a letter of recommendation.  

Take a look at the colleges you are applying to and study their applications. Who do they ask for letters of recommendation from? What are the guidelines? 

What about scholarships? Many scholarships ask for letters of recommendation. Who do they ask for letters of recommendation from? What are the guidelines? 

When asking for references/letters of recommendation, you must show your appreciation and gratitude. One way of doing this is by asking early. If possible, give the people you ask at least 3 weeks. Ask them in person, then send them an email copying the exact info and format requested from the college application.

 

Fill out the FAFSA in October: (2023 Update - Maybe December)

• Fill out the FAFSA application
  
• Fill out the Florida Financial Aid application.
• Colleges will be able to see if you qualify for more aid if you apply for these programs early.
  
• Financial aid is given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• If you fill out the FAFSA, you will know how much financial aid you are eligible for, and it will make comparing colleges easier.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on October 1st. (2023 update - I've talked to several college admissions officers who think it might be around December this year due to changes to FAFSA) 

You must fill out this application because if you fill it out early, the colleges that you apply to will actually be able to use the information you provide to see if you are eligible for scholarships. The financial aid is rewarded on a first come, first serve basis, so get your application in. 

You have to fill out your FAFSA every year that you are in college.

Follow the information on studentaid.gov to learn how to create an FSA ID. 

For more help, I can also recommend this FAFSA guide on the University of Florida website, no matter what college you are looking to attend.

In addition to the FAFSA, it is also important that Florida students fill out the Florida Financial Aid application.

Apply To Your Colleges

Some colleges accept applications all until the late spring, but others such as UF have a deadline as early as November 1st. This is why putting together profiles for each of your dream colleges is important, and this is why you need to start the process as early as possible. Do not wait until October to start asking for letters of recommendation.  

Use the Common App or go directly to the college's website.

Don't forget to use your fee waiver. You can learn more about the SAT/ACT and College application fee waiver here. 

Even if the college you are applying to is not on the list of colleges that accept the college fee waiver, it still may have a fee waiver. Do some research on their website or give them a call. 

The difference between early decision and early acceptance 

It can be tempting to opt for the "early decision" option, as colleges may give preference to students choosing their college as a first choice. However, the early decision is binding, meaning that you will need to withdraw your applications submitted to other colleges, fill out admittance forms, and pay your deposit. 

With regular admission, you have more control over your financial aid status, as you have time to go over and compare the different financial aid packages for the colleges you have applied for and been accepted to.

You can still apply early, and hopefully receive an acceptance or rejection early, so that you can weigh your options, just make sure you know when the college will need your final decision.

 

Review Your Acceptance Letters:

Once the applications are in, you will be filled with stress, relief, anxiety, and more, but there is not much else you can do than wait. Well, you can keep on applying for scholarships, but that is a whole other article. 

Once you start receiving acceptance letters, this is when your work starts again. Now is the time to truly put it all together. How much federal and Florida financial aid do you qualify for? Are the colleges offering you any scholarships instantly? Are there any other scholarships available at the college, and what about at your high school and in your community?

Accepting a College Offer:

Once you accept an offer from a college or university, you'll have to pay a deposit fee, and then the paperwork begins again.

Go on a college tour and bring your parents. Scrutinize your future plans and the majors and opportunities that the colleges offer you. Will it be better to stay home or go away to college? What is the cost of living on campus? If possible, talk to current students at the college and ask for tips and advice.

Make sure you know when you are required to accept or reject the acceptance offer, then take your time, do your research, and don't commit until you are confident in your choice. 

 

Apply for Scholarships:

I have put applying for scholarships at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the High School Senior College Checklist. Why? Because applying for scholarships is an ongoing process, it does not end until you have gotten your college degree, and even then you might want to continue on with your education.

 

 

 

Make sure to check back here at the College Tips section at St. Augustine News Connection, because I will keep on adding more tips, scholarship tips, college essay writing tips, college athlete tips, etc.

College is a feasible option for everyone who wants it. Do not let bad grades, test scores, or financial concerns deter you. You are capable, you are full of potential, and if college is your dream, you should fulfill it. 

The key is to be prepared and organized, start early, and rely on your mentors, teachers, coaches, family, friends, and connections to help get you there. 

You, the student, have to be your own advocate. You cannot rely on your parents, your guidance counselor, your coach, or your mentor to get you into college - you have to do the work, you have to do your research and you have to reach out and catch that dream.

It is never too late to reach for your dreams.

For more college tips, check out the College Help link in the sidebar or click the banners below. 

 

* This piece was originally posted on the West Augustine News Connection on August 7, 2021.

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