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College Applications
For seniors the college application process falls into three stages:
 | Applying- This will take most, if not all of the first semester. The
application process involves visiting colleges, making decisions, taking
tests, filling out applications, and meeting deadlines. |
| Waiting- Once all the applications have been sent, it seems as if there is
nothing to do but wait for replies. Many won't arrive until the first
week of April. |
| Deciding- This is a time of discussion, revisiting schools, and comparing
financial aid packages. Most schools want to be notified of your
decision by May 1. |
The following is a suggested plan for the senior year:
September/October
- Start a personal calendar to keep track of dates, fees, and deadlines for
tests, college applications, and financial aid applications.
- Take the SAT 1 and/or II's. Registration can be done over the
Internet. Our school code is 080071.
- Begin requesting application materials for admissions. Ask for
financial aid information at the same time.
- Ask teachers, employers, and others for letters of recommendation to
include with your admissions and scholarship applications.
- Make an appointment with the principal to update your high school
transcript with all pertinent information. Make sure you are not
waiting until the last minute for this to be completed. Most colleges
have application deadlines and your transcripts should be updated well
before these deadlines.
- Become a volunteer if you have not already done so. When applying
for college admissions and scholarships, your community service will be
considered.
- Continue scholarship searches from your junior year. Many
scholarship search helps are available online free of charge.
November
- Continue to work on your admissions applications. Most colleges
using "early decision" admissions require test scores and
applications between November 1 and 15.
- Write your resume if you do not already have one.
- Check to see if a Financial Aid Night has been scheduled near you and
attend.
December
- Complete and submit all college applications by the deadline. Check
with colleges to see if they accept on-line applications.
- Keep copies of all forms you submit.
- Obtain the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is
available on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov . College will require a
completed FAFSA to consider you for financial aid.
January
- Ask your parents to prepare their income tax returns early to determine
your eligibility for financial aid. They should also review the
federal tax credits to see if they are eligible for any savings.
- Submit your completed FAFSA either by mail or on-line as soon as possible
after January 1.
- Remind the Towle office to send a copy of your transcript, including the
first semester grades, to the schools to which you have applied.
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