SUMMER

· Check your high school grades and courses to see if they conform to the requirements for admission to the colleges of interest to you. Make an appointment with the College Counselor if you need assistance.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

· Apply to colleges you are interested in attending as applications open

· Be sure your resume is updated in SCOIR

· Complete NCAA registration online (Athletes)

· Register for SAT and/or SAT subject tests (if required by college)

· Register for ACT if necessary

· Remember responsibilities if applying for Early Decision or Early Action

· Check college websites for applications, catalogs, deadlines, etc.

· You are encouraged to use the Common Application (www.commonapp.org) if applying to several colleges that accept it. List the College Counselor's name (Mr. Aaron (A-L) or Mrs. Ward (M-Z)) and not your senior counselor, as your counselor when using Common Application.

· Request transcripts through SCOIR

· Begin drafts of essays, if applicable

· Plan college visits and/or interviews if applicable

· Attend National College Fair

· Attend individual college sessions at VHHS

· Request official test scores from testing services

OCTOBER

· Update resume

· Take or retake SAT and/or ACT

· Check to see if your college requires the CSS Financial Aid PROFILE (check deadlines) and/or meet with the College Financial Aid Office

· Work on college essays

· Plan college visits and interviews (remember a thank you note)

· Ask teachers for recommendations (remember a thank you note)

· Be aware of Early Decision or Early Action deadlines

· Submit recommendation forms/requests to college counselor 4 WEEKS BEFORE DEADLINE

· Submit Early Decision or Early Action applications by Oct. 1

· Complete FAFSA beginning October 1

NOVEMBER

· Take SAT or SAT subject tests if necessary

· Continue to research sources of scholarships (check VHHS scholarship bins and VHHS website)

· Get recommendation forms/requests with Dec. 1-Jan. 15 deadline to Mr. Aaron or Mrs. Ward

· Complete applications to colleges with Dec. 1 deadlines for scholarship consideration

DECEMBER

· Take SAT, SAT subject tests, and/or ACT if needed

· Finish all applications and essays to selective colleges

· Check all application deadlines!

JANUARY

· Finish college applications

· Take SAT or SAT subject tests if needed

FEBRUARY

· Check/Apply for private outside scholarships

· Continue to check scholarship file and VHHS website

MARCH

· Submit additional information to colleges (new scores, grades, honors, etc.) which may help your admission process

· Notify the College Counselors of any college acceptances and scholarships received

APRIL

· Review college responses and aid offers with your parents and/or college counselor

· Notify colleges you will not attend

· Make final decision

· Send deposit by May 1 to the school you will be attending

· Notify the College Counselors of any college acceptances and scholarships received

MAY

· Take AP exams

· Confirm housing plans

· Check with college to see if medical exam is required

SUMMER

· ENJOY YOURSELF! YOU'VE WORKED HARD AND DESERVE IT!!!

H E L P F U L H I N T S

1. Keep your grades up your senior year at VHHS. All college acceptances are conditional on the successful completion of the second semester. A final transcript should be requested by you and will be sent to the college you select.

2. Remember, the published “average SAT or ACT scores” of an entering freshman class are just that—an average. If you feel your academic record is solid, do not let fear of rejection stop you from applying to the school of your choice.

3. It is thoughtless to apply to schools to simply see if you will be accepted when you have no intention of attending. Other candidates will be eliminated and that is not fair to them and it creates unnecessary work for the College Counselor.

4. If you are dissatisfied with your ACT or SAT scores, try again. Tutoring and special courses are available in the community. Colleges accept your highest score.

5. Do not expect anyone to do your college preparatory work for you (not even Mom or Dad!). Double check all transcripts sent, teacher recommendations requested, counselor forms requested. Take responsibility and follow up!

6. Notify all other colleges as soon as you know you will not be accepting their offer of enrollment. Thank them for considering you. (All such letters are placed in your file.) You never know when you might want to transfer there.