Here's what you need to know to navigate college planning effectively.
Here's what you need to know to navigate college planning effectively.
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Quick Links
Quick Links
The Common App is a free website for college applications that helps students apply to multiple colleges and universities at once.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that students and their families can use to apply for financial aid for college. The FAFSA is a key tool for financing education, and it can help students request federal grants, work-study funds, and loans.
The 10 Steps We Recommend Steele Students to Follow for Successful College Admissions:
The 10 Steps We Recommend Steele Students to Follow for Successful College Admissions:
Follow the Steps in Order:
Narrow down your list of colleges (3-6 is recommended)
Begin to apply to colleges in August-early September through the Common App or on each college's website
For Common App, you will have to create an account. (Jot down your log-in credentials.)
Make a note of your application deadlines
Once you have completed your college application, your transcript needs to be requested through School Links
Whether you applied through the Common App or on the college website, your application needs to be linked to SchoolLinks
If your school requires a letter of recommendation from a teacher or a counselor, request it through SchoolLinks
Provide your teacher & counselor at LEAST a two-week notice before your application deadline
If your school requires a counselor's letter of recommendation, fill out the Self-Brag Sheet for Mrs. Cooney's recommendation.
Just so you know, Mrs. Cooney can also share a PDF of your responses with any teacher to help with their recommendation letter. Let Mrs. Cooney know via email if there is a teacher you would like her to share your responses with
Send your SAT/ACT scores - some colleges may require test scores to come directly from the testing agencies (SAT/ACT), in this case, it is YOUR responsibility to send scores
Some colleges may continue to be test-optional, meaning it is in your best interest to check test-score requirements
If you have any reservations about test scores that may appear on your transcripts, let Mrs. Cooney know well in advance so that these are not submitted on your transcript.
Work on all supplemental materials ahead of time, including essays. Ask at least one adult to proofread for you. Plan accordingly for the November 1st deadline.
Begin to explore how to pay for college, your financial options, scholarships, and FAFSA
Review your national, local, and institutional scholarship options (more information in March about Amherst local/foundation scholarships)
MLS hosts an annual Financial Aid Night in October with an expert from the office of financial aid at a local college and we encourage you and a parent to attend
October 1st, begin to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Send your AP scores to the college you decide to attend (once you have been accepted)
Sending your AP scores allows for credits to be awarded based on the colleges' guidelines (https://apscore.collegeboard.org/scores#/)
Stay up to date on the status of your application(s) and consult with your counselor as needed
SchoolLinks - Student College Application Set Up
SchoolLinks - Student College Application Set Up
How to log-in to SchoolLinks
Setting Up SchoolLinks with Common App & College Apps
FAQ's
FAQ's
How do I send my LCCC Transcript to Colleges?
LCCC transcripts must be sent by the student to the college requesting the transcript, high school counselors do not have access to official college transcripts for courses the students would have completed through dual enrollment while in high school. Please visit the LCCC transcript center for instructions.
How do I register for the SAT/ACT senior year?
To register for the SAT/and or ACT, you will have to log on to the website of each test, look for the test date of interest, pay the registration fee, and select your desired testing location. There are Saturdays where Steele will proctor/offer SAT/ACT, however, students are responsible for individually registering for these tests if they are interested.
Where do I apply for local scholarships?
For any local scholarships through the Amherst Schools Educational Foundation & the Amherst Community, Mrs. Cooney will share details for these early in the spring of the senior year - these scholarships typically provide three weeks for students to apply. Students can expect details via email, Steele Newsletter, SNL, etc.
What is the difference between early action and rolling admissions?
Early Action usually has specific early deadlines (usually November 1st), you apply early and get a decision early. Early action is recommended to better support admissions and scholarship options. While Rolling Admission operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no hard deadlines.
Resources
Resources
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