Broncos & Royals! Don't miss out on College Application Week, which will be held October 14, 2024 - October 18, 2024.  If you plan to continue your postsecondary education, now is the time to finalize your college list and complete your college applications if you have not do so. The good news is we're here to help. Visit bit.ly/CCREvents to register for College Application Week events including College Application/FSA ID (FAFSA Prep) Help Sessions, Wake Forest University Rep Visit, and our virtual Scholarship Deep Dive Workshop. The Zoom link for the scholarship workshop is listed below.

• Virtual Scholarship Deep Dive Workshop (October 17th at 6:00 pm): Accessible via student FDHS/CGWA Counseling, College & Career Canvas Course or via email.

• Don't forget that the FCPS College and Career Fair is on Tuesday, October 15th. The district expects all seniors to be in attendance and there will be so many amazing representatives that you don't want to miss this event.

• Click on the following link to access the College and Career Fair Presentation to make sure you're prepared for the upcoming event: https://bit.ly/FCPSSeniorFair.

The college application process may seem overwhelming. However, getting organized and understanding the basics will help to reduce stress and make the process more manageable. Check out these tips to navigate the college planning process with ease and remember our College & Career Readiness Team is here to assist you on your journey. 

• Research your options and finalize your college list. Research your interest and explore your college options throughout high school. Start exploring as freshmen and sophomores. During the Fall of your junior year work on your college wish list, and in the Spring finalize your list. Remember the Common App and most college application open August of Senior year.

• Not sure where to start, checkout the following free college match sites. Simply enter your information to be matched with colleges based on your interests.

  • Big Future College Search

  • College Express College Search

  • College Raptor College Match

• After creating your college wish list, research the colleges and be sure to note application and scholarship deadlines.

• Streamline the college application process. If you are interested in applying to multiple colleges and universities take advantage of common applications.

  • Academic Common Market - The ACM allows students to study in a specialized field at an out-of-state college and pay in-state tuition rates. 

  • Common App - Non-profit organization of 1000+ Colleges and universities that simplifies, informs, and supports your college application journey.

  • Common Black Common Application - Apply to over 50 HBCUs for only $20.

• Understand the different types of application deadlines. Early action and early decision deadlines vary by college but most of these deadlines are in October, November, and December. Keep in mind that some colleges have multiple early action and early decision application deadlines. Remember that merit scholarships often align with early action deadlines, so be sure to review scholarship deadlines as you decide whether to submit an early or regular application. 

  • Early Action Deadline: This application deadline is non-binding and allows students to submit applications early and receive admission decisions before the regular deadlines.

  • Early Decision Deadline: This application deadline is binding and should be reserved for your top college choice. If you are offered admissions with early decision, there is the expectation that you commit to the college and withdraw additional college applications. 

  • Regular Decision Deadline: Most regular admission deadlines are in December, January, and February. This is typically the last to apply for admissions for the upcoming Fall semester. 

  • Rolling Admission Deadline: Some colleges accept college applications on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

• Common Fall Application Deadlines

  • November: November 1st and November 15

  • December: December 1st and December 15

  • January: January 1st and January 15

  • Rolling Admission: August - August

• Now that you've created your college list and understand the application deadlines, it's time to get organized. 

  • Be prepared to request your high school transcript through Parchment. Remember to send a free transcript to yourself, this will be helpful as you may need to enter your previous courses and grades on certain college applications.

  • Determine if your colleges are test optional or require college entrance exams. If a college entrance exam is required, understand that it's likely that you will need to request score reports directly from the ACT or SAT.

  • Create a resume or track all activities, honors, and leadership roles that were completed in high school.

  • Identify recommenders and request recommendations in advance.

  • Be prepared to write a college essay. If you're using the Common App, click here to access the Common App Essay Prompts.

  • Review CollegeSimply's Application Deadlines.

If you need additional assistance, participate in our College Application Week Help Sessions, register for college application workshops (bit.ly/CCREvents), or request an appointment with Mrs. Jones at bit.ly/fdhsrequestcounselor.