(Updated 8/22/25)
Hello Seniors!
Common App is open and takes time! Get started on it ASAP. Sit with a parent to get started because a few of the questions often require you to ask Mom or Dad for the answer.
Access Naviance: You no longer need a password - you can now use the single sign-on option to get into your account. Build your college list, request teacher recommendation letters and check out the college visit calendar. Sign up for visits happening in the CCRC this fall.
Ask 2 teachers for letters of recommendation: Follow up with the teachers you requested letters from with an email. In this email remind them of your request and indicate an academic area of interest if you have one. If you know your first application deadline, include this too!
Tips to guide who you ask:
*Ask at least one core academic teacher
*If you know your course of study in college, ask a teacher related to this subject
Return the Permission to Release Educational Records and Recommendations form to me. You can deliver it to one of the secretaries if I’m not in.
How to Create a College List (with tracking spreadsheet): Keep making progress. Make sure you’re excited about all the schools on your list, not just the reaches. Be sure to have safety, target and reach schools.
Demonstrate Interest - Many schools track your interest level to determine how serious you are about actually enrolling if you were offered admission. Different ways to demonstrate interest include: attending the college visits in the CCRC, opening emails, visiting schools in person or virtual tours that you register for, and following schools on social media.
Visit Campus - make sure to check out campuses this fall. Many schools offer Open House Days with intentional programming. Sign up for these to learn the most, get your questions answered and a sense of campus culture, and to demonstrate interest.
Free test prep:- More schools have returned to requiring test scores. If you’re hoping or planning to submit test scores and will test again in the fall, take advantage of these resources:
Khan Academy (SAT Free Official SAT Practice Tests | College Board)
We are happy to work with you to determine whether you will send your scores. Generally speaking, you should look at the middle 50% range of test scores for your schools and only submit your scores if they fall within this range or are higher than these numbers. You may choose to send scores for some schools and withhold them from others.
How to Write a College Essay: Wondering how to get started on your college essay? Read this step-by-step guide which walks you through the process.
Talk about the financials now. It is helpful to start the process knowing what you are willing to spend on a college education. How much debt are you willing to take on and who is going to pay for college (student/parent/combination of both)? Be sure to attend our virtual Financial Aid Night on October 21, 2025 at 6:00 pm.
Remember to follow the @nonnewaug_ccrc Instagram as a resource to stay informed.
Remember to schedule time for focused effort on post-secondary planning. You will thank yourself by having dedicated time because the fall gets busy fast!
Best,
Mrs. Kathy Green
kathygreen@ctreg14.org
College and Career Resource Center Counselor
203-263-2186 x 2838