The Journey: Senior Year

Summer before Senior year:

   • Invest your time well through a job, community service, or academic enrichment.

   • Begin working on the Common Application available August 1 at www.commonapp.org. Getting a head start on your college applications will make the fall schedule much easier for you.

   • Use your CCA email address to set up your Common App account.

• Meet with your college advisor and talk with parents to discuss narrowing down your list of potential colleges or other post-graduation options. Conversations should include financial goals and obligations.

• Log into Overgrad and finalize your list of schools.

• Register for fall SAT and/or ACT tests, if needed.

• Identify the specific requirements for each application including essays, interviews, a second teacher recommendation, or multiple SAT Subject Tests.

• Create a master calendar or spreadsheet to help keep track of deadlines for college and financial aid applications.

During the year:

• Request your transcripts from CCA administrative staff at least two weeks prior to your application deadlines.

• Request teacher recommendations at least one month prior to your application deadline, and follow up with your teachers to ensure letters are completed and submitted on time.

•  Communicate regularly with your college advisor and teachers writing your recommendations so that they are equipped to be strong advocates for you.

• Ask your teachers, college advisor, and/or parents to proofread essays.

• Complete the application for each school. If using the Common Application, identify which schools have supplements and complete those as well.

• Check deadlines and submit applications for scholarships, honors programs, and other special programs.

• Write personal thank you notes to teachers and others who helped you through the process.

• Check your CCA email regularly and respond promptly.