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Access the links below to find helpful college planning tools!
College Planning Tips by Grade
FRESHMEN and SOPHOMORES
1. Get started with career planning resources - see the career planning page
2. Explore college websites
3. Use the above tools to learn about college options
4. Track performance on pre-ACT to assess your college readiness
JUNIORS
1. Complete career planning steps first
2. Explore majors that would support your future career
3. Visit colleges and use the college comparison worksheet to track your visits
4. Meet with college admissions counselors who visit Gibault
5. Attend local college fairs - look for opportunities posted by Mrs. Kovarik
6. Study for the ACT or SAT; consider taking a preparatory class; see Study Skills section for resources
7. Identify top choices colleges where you will send your ACT or SAT scores
8. Sign up for and take the ACT or SAT (many juniors test in February, April, June, July)
9. Attend college summer visit programs
10. Talk with recent graduates about their college experience
11. Hone resume - see Mrs. Kovarik for review
12. Draft college application essay - see Mrs. Kovarik for review
13. NCAA-bound students - register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
14. Select junior and senior year coursework with college major in mind
SENIORS
1. If needed, retake the ACT/SAT over summer or in September, October or December. Note that later test scores may not be available by certain application deadlines.
2. Create a CommonApp account
3. Research application deadlines at your college choices:
--4-year College: apply between August-October. Many colleges' first application deadline is Nov. 1.
--2-year College: apply by February
4. Understand college acceptance terms:
--Early Decision: the applicant, if accepted as early decision, must attend that institution and must decline all other institutions
--Early Action: the applicant, if accepted as early action, is not bound to the institution and can continue to weigh their options. They likely have identified the institution as a top choice and feel their application is strong without showing completed senior year coursework.
--Regular Decision: this is the latest application deadline you will see. Students might prefer this option if they want their application to show completed coursework from fall of their senior year and want more time to bolster other aspects of their application or to decide on the right institution.
5. Finalize college application essay and resume
6. Apply to colleges either directly or through CommonApp. Request your high school transcript from Mrs. Kovarik
7. Identify faculty, coaches, volunteer leaders, etc. who could write you a letter of recommendation
8. Once available, create an FSA ID and complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - see the Financial Aid subpage for more information
9. Apply for scholarships - see the Scholarships subpage for more information
10. NCAA-bound students - continue to track NCAA requirements through the NCAA Eligbility Center and with your recruiting coach
11. Once your decision is made, accept admission to your college!
FAQ
How do I decide on a college major?
Use the career planning resources to help determine what career(s) fit your interests, talents, and values. From there, use the linked college planning resources to figure out which majors would help you attain that career and which colleges offer that major. Talk with parents, older siblings, and other trusted adults about their career and college pathways. Shadow people in your career of interest and ask what major they completed to enter their career path. Talk with college admissions counselors about what majors, internships, and career connections their college offers.
How do I prepare for a college visit?
Besides planning travel and lodging, get ready for a college visit by thoroughly researching your school, booking your campus tour in advance, notifying Gibault and your teachers if you are going to miss school (NB: Gibault grants 2 "free" college visit days that do not affect your attendance record), sign up for any program-specific tours if available (ex. a tour specific to the College of Business or the Medical Campus), and bring the "Questions To Ask on a College Tour" resource linked above. If you know any Gibault graduates at that college, reach out to them as well to get a trusted student perspective on the school.
When do I apply to college?
Many colleges' early application deadline is on or near November 1, but application deadlines vary by institution. Best practice is to apply to colleges from August-October of senior year unless you are relying on senior year first semester coursework to improve your application profile/GPA.
Should I take the ACT/SAT even if my college is test-optional?
Although many colleges are now test-optional, taking the ACT/SAT can improve your application profile. ACT/SAT scores may still be required to be eligible for academic merit scholarships. Moreover, while general admission may not require an ACT/SAT score, specific programs or schools within a college (such as a Nursing program or School of Engineering) may require the ACT/SAT for direct entry.
How do I send my high school transcript to my college?
If you are applying via CommonApp, list Mrs. Kovarik as your counselor, and she will send your official transcript to your colleges. If you are applying to colleges directly (ex. through the school's own application portal), send that list of colleges to Mrs. Kovarik in an email, and she will send them your official transcripts. If you would like a copy of your transcript, request it from Mrs. Kovarik. PLEASE NOTE: Mrs. Kovarik will send your final official high school transcript to your accepted college after graduation and final grades are reported. You do not need to submit a transcript request to initiate this.
If I'm taking dual credit SLU classes, do I apply as a freshman or transfer student?
Regardless if you have taken college credits already, you would apply as a freshman/first-year college undergraduate student.
How do I send my SLU transcript to my college?
For college applications, you can submit an unofficial SLU transcript, which is available online through your MySLU portal. After graduation, wait until Mrs. Kovarik confirms that all final grades are reported and processed by SLU. Then, follow the steps listed here to send your official transcript to your college.
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