If you're considering applying to highly selective or selective colleges, you want to start by choosing courses that are: 1) Challenging & 2) Play to your strengths.

This does NOT mean build a schedule that is too hard or too easy. You want to create a schedule that is challenging, and one where you can be successful.

During Junior year, you will be given MANY opportunities to improve your SAT score. You will be participating in Academic Approach on Seminar Days AND completing Khan Academy Homework in your English and Math Classes.

Take advantage of this! SAT scores can be the boost you need to get into your dream college.

If you are a poor test taker, try your best. There are a growing number of colleges that are going TEST OPTIONAL. However, you will need to have a good GPA for this option to work for you.

Starting in your Junior Year, you will want to begin researching colleges. You want to look for colleges that:

• Are a good academic match (GPA/TEST SCORES).
• Are a good personal fit:
  • Have your major
  • Location (Urban, Suburban, Rural)
  • Geographic Area (In-State, Out of State, Midwest, West Coast)
  • Campus Life (sorority/fraternity, intramural sports, diversity)
• Are a good financial fit:
  • Are there scholarships you qualify for?
  • Does the college meet 100% of need?
  • EVERY college has a Net Price Calculator on their website. You can use this to gauge costs.

Over the summer between your Junior and Senior Year, you should be narrowing your list to 5-10 colleges. These colleges should be:

• A good mix of Reach, Match, and Safety Schools
• Have all of the things you personally want in a college.

Over the summer you should be:

• Finalizing your Personal Statement
• Putting together a Resume or Brag Sheet
• Starting your Common Application Essays
• Compile a list of Deadlines for Early Action applications.

You will need to have at least TWO letters of recommendation on file.

We suggest you request a letter from ONE junior year teacher and ONE teacher in the major/field that you are applying to.

Teachers get lots of requests. Request EARLY!

Here is how we recommend you ask:

• First in person!
• Follow up with an email!
• Add the Request in Naviance!

In September, counselors will be planning small group meetings with seniors. During these meetings, we will be going over the application process, you will be sharing your college plans and list, and learning about next steps.

After your meeting with your counselor, you will be able to complete your applications and submit document requests. You will be requesting that your counselor sends:

• Official Transcripts
• NACAC Fee Waivers
• Counselor and Teacher Letters of Recommendation

Your counselor will specifically outline the process for sending these documents, but please note that counselors request documents are submitted 2 weeks before a deadline. No email requests will be accepted.

Counselors do NOT send official test scores. These must be sent via the College Board and ACT directly to the institution!

It is mandatory that EVERY student completes the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is a CPS graduation requirement. It is also the ONLY WAY a student can access Federal and State funds for college.

The Application opens up every year on October 1st.

Students applying to highly selective colleges may also need to complete the CSS profile. Please check on individual college websites to learn more.

After you apply, you should immediately begin looking for scholarships!

• Look at the colleges you are applying to for institution specific scholarships!
• Check out the CPS Academic Works Website
• Ask about your families work/union/church specific scholarships.

In mid March, you should start receiving your financial aid packages from each institution you've received an acceptance.

• Read over these packages carefully! Use this great comparison tool from to compare offers.
• Talk over costs and benefits with your families and counselor.

Decision day is May 1st! You do not need to accept and offer and pay your deposit until MAY 1st!

Every June we have a massive event where we celebrate everyone in the senior classes postsecondary choices!!