14 Oct Road Map for October: Seniors

I’m so excited for all of my students who are submitting their first college applications! With Early Action and Early Decision deadlines approaching, I hope you’re feeling good about your progress. As you put the finishing touches on your applications, aim to submit at least a few days before each deadline to allow time for any last-minute questions or technical glitches. As you do, make sure you understand each college’s requirements. A few schools require students to submit their grades through the Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS), and certain programs may ask for portfolios, major-specific essays or other supplemental materials. For schools that are test-optional, review each college’s middle 50% range for the SAT or ACT when deciding whether to submit scores. Then confirm whether the school accepts self-reported scores or requires official reports from the testing agency and arrange to have those sent where they’re needed.

Once you’ve submitted an application, you should receive instructions for accessing the college’s applicant portal. Check it regularly to confirm that all required materials, such as transcripts, recommendations and test scores, have been received. If something appears to be missing, don’t panic! It can take several days for colleges to process documents, but follow up if needed.

On the financial aid front, the FAFSA and CSS Profile are both open, so families should be working on completing these forms. Check each college’s deadlines for need-based and merit aid, which may differ from application deadlines. And if your family’s financial circumstances have changed in a way that the forms do not reflect, contact each financial aid office to ask how to provide updated information.

Finally, take a moment to celebrate each application you submit. You’ve worked hard to get to this point, and every completed application is a milestone worth recognizing!