I’m so excited for all of my students who are submitting their first applications! As Early Action and Early Decision deadlines approach, keep up the great work and remember that attention to detail can make all the difference. Aim to submit applications a few days before the deadline in case of last-minute questions or technical glitches. Some colleges also require the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), which means you’ll need to enter all your courses and grades from high school into another website, while some academic programs may require students to submit a portfolio or other component. Be sure to plan extra time if this applies to you.

After you submit, you’ll receive an email with instructions to access your applicant portal. This is where you’ll confirm that all materials—transcripts, recommendations, and test scores—have been received. If something appears to be missing, don’t panic; it can take a few days for items to be logged in. Still, follow up if needed to ensure your file is complete.

For test-optional schools, the general guideline is that if your scores fall within or above the college’s middle 50% range, it’s fine to submit them; if they’re below the 25th percentile, you may be stronger as a test-optional applicant. And check whether each school accepts self-reported test scores; if they requires an official report from the testing agency make sure to order those now.

On the financial aid front, the FAFSA and CSS Profile are both open, and families should be working on completing and submitting these forms. Each school sets its own deadlines for need-based and merit-based aid, so check carefully. It’s essential to meet those dates to maximize your eligibility.

Many families in the Washington, DC area have been impacted this year by federal policy changes, and the FAFSA and CSS Profile forms you complete may not reflect your current circumstances. I strongly recommend contacting the schools’ financial aid offices directly to ask about how you can share updates so they have a full picture of your financial need as they evaluate your aid application.  For more guidance, please review my previous advice on this topic and feel free to get in touch for individual guidance.