Understandably senior year is a busy time in a student’s life, and it is essential to be organized and timely with planning, school work and college applications. At this point students should have schedules that are appropriately challenging and activities that are enjoyable and manageable. It is advisable that students have discussed, researched and visited several colleges to help narrow down their search, though they may be continuing to consider more options. 

It is an important time to meet with your counselor to discuss your post secondary plans.  Students may also be using the fall to retake ACT or SAT exams. Doing well in classes as senior year begins should also be a focus of their time and attention since first quarter and mid-year grades are often requested by colleges and considered in their assessment.

Early in September seniors and parents are encouraged to attend an evening meeting presented by the counseling department to review the application process and answer questions.  Students should also be contacting the teachers from whom they had requested letters of recommendation, checking if any information is needed to help them to complete the task.  Any student or parent who has not returned a Brag Sheet to their counselor should also turn that in immediately in order to provide information to the counselor in a timely manner.  If a student is applying early action, rolling or early decision, it is also imperative that the student has conveyed this information to their counselor and completed the processing form available in the Counseling Office and online. 

Throughout the fall many college representatives visit BHS.  While the counselors take time to meet with the representatives and learn about campus updates, the representatives are primarily coming to visit students.  It is an opportunity for students to meet the representative who often is the first application reader, as well as to learn more about a school and to ask questions in a small group setting.

Some students make post high school plans that include a gap year, work or the military and counselors are also eager to help them formulate those plans as well. 

Senior year is exciting, but it can also be stressful. The counselors and the psychologist are available to help students through the range of emotions that they might be experiencing during this time.  

TIPS FOR SENIORS

• Begin senior year with a plan and follow it.

• It is helpful to use a calendar to set up specific work time designated for college applications.

• Plan to attend the evening Senior Meeting with your parents in September which will help you to better understand the application process at BHS.  

• Be certain that you have reviewed your transcript carefully and signed and returned it to the Counseling office.

• Set up an appointment in September with your counselor to update him/her about your college applications and deadlines.

• Check in with the teachers who have agreed to write letters of recommendation for you and inform them of your deadlines.

• Be aware that you are responsible to send your SAT and/or ACT scores directly to each school to which you are applying. Check that you have the necessary exams requested by each college.

• Sign up for exams asap if you want to retake a test and check with colleges for the latest acceptable dates.

• Be certain to complete Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA)and CSS Profile forms early since schools have early deadlines.

• Attend the Financial Aid Information meeting.

• Check the schedule of visiting college representatives often so that you can meet with those of interest.  The schedule of visiting schools is available on Maia Learning and listed in the Counseling Office. Notify teachers in advance if you will be missing a class.

• Maintain good grades. Many colleges request first quarter and mid-year grades.

• Complete forms at the end of first quarter if you wish to have senior grades sent to colleges. While some schools will require this information, many do not. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the form in the HS Counseling office to ensure that they are sent.