SSIS College Spotlight: November — National College Application Month!
volume 1, issue 4. Fall 2015
Dear Seniors and Families,
Past Spotlight issues have focused on college search criteria, tools, and processes as well as financial information. Today we review your senior year autumn timeline.
What does it mean when the President of the United States declares November “National College Application Month?” It means four very important things: 1) applying to college has become a national preoccupation, (2) your stress is shared by lots of people, you are not alone (!), (3) you can be proud of what you have accomplished thus far, and (4) it’s time to make sure you that you are in range of your fall-term senior year goals for college applications with November-January 1st deadlines.
Today’s Spotlight focuses on your senior year, fall term college applications timeline of accomplishments and goals.
As always, take advantage of the College Counseling office space, the materials you find there, and me!
Best always,
Caroline
Your College Counselor
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WHY HIGHLIGHT NOVEMBER?
Drawing attention to November functions as a way to acknowledge what you already have accomplished during your first semester of senior year as well as what you can expect is the norm for November activities; it is also functions as a reminder of deadlines. Many Early Decision I applications are due on November 1st or 15th. Many Early Decision II or Early Action applications are due in December. Many, if not all, large public universities require applications to be submitted by November 30th (for example: University of California, Cal State colleges, and University of Texas colleges) or December 1st (for example, the University of Washington).
Below, please find a typical timeline for students with November – early January college application deadlines. Note that students have goals—and therefore timelines—that are unique to their own circumstances.
IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, YOU:
- Registered for and took the SAT or ACT
- Played a leadership role on the Fall Backpack
- Determined whether to register for a future SAT or ACT
- Either took, registered for or determined whether to take SAT 2 subject test(s)
- Completed an activities list or resume
- Completed your personal college criteria checklist
- Researched colleges by using a variety of search tools and speaking with people, including the college counselor
- Spoken to a college admissions representative
- Created your college list spreadsheet and filled in an array of college choices, noting pertinent details
- Reviewed and signed off on a final copy of your transcript
- Completed all non-essay sections of at least one college application, ideally including the Common App
- Determined whether to apply Early Decision I or II, Early Action I or II, or Regular Decision
- Structured your time well, allowing for both work and play
- Maintained good grades in appropriate classes
- Celebrated Halloween!
DURING THE FIRST HALF OF NOVEMBER, YOU:
- Had your college counselor review your application thus far
- Analyzed Common App and other college essay choices
- Played with several college essay choices, jotting down a few concepts, anecdotes, and strong, descriptive verbs
- Reviewed college essay ideas with a parent or teacher
- Completed at least one draft of a college essay
- Shared a draft of your college essay with the college counselor
- Reviewed your college list with the college counselor as well as any teachers
- Asked teachers (and possibly others) for recommendations, providing log-in information, deadlines, and a thank-you note
- Interviewed with colleges for which an interview is appropriate
- Stayed current with classes and other activities, and remembered to take a break for time-to-time (!)
- Kept parents and the college counselor informed of your needs
- Completed any Early Decision applications by November 15
DURING THE SECOND HALF OF NOVEMBER, YOU WILL:
- Concentrate on college essays
- Revise your college list
- Review your essay with the college counselor
- Identify which schools require supplementary essays or short answers, and begin the process of addressing these
- Review and revise your college list spreadsheet, noting deadlines for applications, tests, transcripts, recommendations, interviews, and supplementary materials
- Interview with colleges for which an interview is appropriate
- Keep parents and the college counselor informed of your needs
- Complete FAFSA (see Finances Spotlight)
- Complete any applications to public universities by November 30
- Enjoy Thanksgiving!
IN DECEMBER, YOU WILL:
- Finalize essays
- Further revise your college list
- Complete applications to schools with December 15 or January 1-15 deadlines
- Research scholarships, especially local ones
- Complete first semester classes, maintaining good grades
- Enjoy a well-earned break!
