Senior Year - What Do I Do?

1 - Narrow down your list of schools

2 - Visit!

3 - Ask teachers for any needed Letters of Recommendation. After they agree, request them through your Naviance account

4 - Apply to all schools of interest (pay attention to deadlines!)

5 - Request transcripts from Black River (via your Naviance account)

6 - Request SAT/ACT score reports be sent (if required/needed - use College Board/ACT websites)

7 - Update your Naviance college list as you receive admission decisions. Be sure to provide a copy of at least ONE acceptance letter to Miss Wright for your file for the graduation requirement

8 - Make your final decision, put down your deposit, and relax!

Below you will find a LOT of important information. Please read the information carefully!

Transcripts, Forms, and Letters, Oh My…

Common App/Non-Common App Transcript Requests:

If you need a transcript sent somewhere or a copy for yourself, please request this online via your Naviance account. Please watch the video "Intro to College Application Process in Naviance" which is linked here. You will need to add the schools to your "Colleges I'm Applying To" list in Naviance in order to request transcripts.

Common App:

Please be sure to visit the Common App posting in our GC to get more information and access links to informational videos. You can also check out the Common App section of this website by clicking here. 

Letters of Recommendation:

If you need a letter of recommendation from a teacher, please ask the teacher personally - either in person or via email - then make sure to provide that teacher with the materials/information needed and ENOUGH TIME TO WRITE A QUALITY LETTER – two weeks minimum. After they have agreed, please send them the request through your Naviance Account. Please watch the video "Letter of Recommendation Requests - Naviance" that is linked here to see how to do this.

Admissions Timeline:

Usually THE EARLIER, THE BETTER! Many schools operate on a “Rolling Admissions” basis – what that means is that they start offering admission to students as soon as they start receiving applications. The earlier you apply to these schools, the better your chances. Financially it benefits you to apply early as well – many schools have scholarship deadlines before the final deadline for their applications, and some start offering aid packages early. The earlier you are in, the better your shot at money! Apply as soon as you decide you are interested! To be honest, this could look very different this year. My biggest suggestion is to start early and keep careful watch on your communication from colleges and their deadlines. This may be a fluid situation this year.

Proof of Acceptance:

As you all know, in order to graduate we must have proof that you have been accepted to a 4-Year College or University. This does not mean you have to attend that particular school. In order to receive your diploma, you need to have on file with me a copy of an acceptance letter to this type of institution. We also keep a detailed list (both for Honors Night and for our records) of all colleges that you are accepted to, so please continue to update your list of applications in your Naviance account.

Finances:

Don’t let the perceived cost of a school be a deterrent. Public schools can be a good deal so look into them, but don’t ignore private schools. Often times private schools have more money to offer in grants and scholarships – this means that a private school could end up being cheaper than a public school! You won’t know until you talk to the financial aid department at the school and get an official aid package from them. Don’t make up your mind or write-off a school until you see the bottom line. FAFSA will come into play in October, so watch for virtual workshops to begin around then. Check out the Financial Aid Resources section of this classroom.

Some Important Information You May Need For Applications:

School Code/CEEB (asked for on some apps): 231963

School Address: 491 Columbia Ave – Holland, MI – 49423

Counselor information:

Cessandra Wright

Email: wrightc@brpsk12.org

Office Phone: 616-355-0055 x 106

School Fax: 616-355-0057