Senior Year Tips for Success!

Discuss your options and plans with your parents/guardians. Go over costs of attendance, the type of school you want to attend, and where those schools are located.

The Next Steps

Applications

• One of the most important things to do is make sure your application is completed in full. This includes filling out the actual application (using either the paper copy or internet), completing an admissions essays (if required), and getting reference letters to include with your application. 

                     ***DO NOT FORGET that some schools require a supplemental application***

Certain schools offer early decision or early action programs allowing you to apply early and get an answer much sooner. Make sure you know of this deadline if you plan to apply this way.

• If you submit an online application you must let the Counseling Center know so we can send your transcript.
• If you are applying with a paper copy you should forward the entire application to the Counseling Center after it is complete and it can then be processed with your transcript.
• If you are having trouble with specific questions on your application please make an appointment to review your concerns.
• WE PREFER APPLICATIONS TO BE TURNED IN BY THANKSGIVING. The earlier the better!!!!

ACT Assessment:
ACT is a college entrance exam administered by the American college Testing Corporation that measures educational development in English, mathematics, social studies and the natural sciences. Scores are reported as 1-26 with 36 as the highest.

SAT:
SAT is a standardized examination used by colleges as a tool to help measures students’ academic potential. The SAT reasoning test is most frequently required, however SAT subject tests (for example, Biology, Chemistry, US History) are also required by some colleges.

Common Application:
A common application is a standard admission application form accepted by more than 300 selective colleges. The Common Application supplements contain institution specific questions, not all institutions require a supplement. Check with each college. Applications are available in the Counseling Center or www.commonapp.org.

Early Action:
Under early action students may apply before the normal application deadline and receive an early acceptance decision from the college. If admitted under early action, students are not obligated to commit to enrollment at the college, but are permitted to apply to other colleges. Some colleges limit students’ ability to apply for early action to multiple colleges.

Early Decision:
Admissions programs where students apply to their first-choice college usually by November 15 of their senior year, and agree by contract to enroll in the college if accepted. If applying for early decision, students are only permitted to apply to one college.

Regular Admission:
Regular admission decision is the traditional process by which a student applies by the regular deadline (varies from college to college) and the college usually makes a decision by April 1. The student then has until May 1 to accept the college’s offer of admission.

Rolling Admission:
Rolling admission is when the college reviews applications as they are received and offers a decision to the student usually within two to five weeks of application review. Some colleges offer on-the-spot review and acceptance. Students are not required to make an enrollment decision until May 1. College Application Process Resources.

ACT     www.actstudent.org/index.html
The College Board     www.collegeboard.com
The Common Application   www.commonapp.org
FastWeb   www.fasteb.com
National Assoc. for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) www.nacacnet.org
New York’s 100+ Private colleges and Universitieswww.nycolleges.org
NYS Assoc. for College Admissions Counseling (NYSACAC) www.nysacac.org

FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov)

• Before this time you should review the FAFSA Web Worksheet to see what is required of you and develop any questions for the presenter on our financial aid night. You can access this  worksheet by going to the above website and printing out the web worksheet.  The Financial Aid night is rotated annually between Warsaw, Letchworth and Perry.
• You and one of your parents should also apply for a Federal PIN by going to  This is how you sign the electronic form and both of you must have this information to complete the financial aid process.
• FAFSA forms become available starting January 1^st and you should submit them as soon as possible.
• Websites are as follows:

• In order to participate in athletics at the Division 1 or 2 level students must maintain a specific number of credits in high school and score high enough on the SAT/ACT
• One of the biggest mistakes is assuming you are eligible. DO NOT WAIT.  
• You must also fill out an online application and submit the required fee.

JANUARY 1 – FAFSA Forms are available online

ARMED SERVICES:

• For students planning to enlist in one of the numerous branches of military you should get in contact with a recruiter as soon as possible. They frequently stop in for visits in the Counseling Center and would be willing to discuss options with you.
• ROTC Programs (Deadlines vary in January):
• Army - www.goarmy.com/rotc
• Navy - https://www.navy.com/what-to-expect/education-opportunities/college-options-and-scholarships
• Air Force - www.afrotc.com/scholarships/
• Military Academies:

• Military Academy at West Point – https://westpoint.edu/
• Naval Academy at Annapolis – http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/
• Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs – http://academyadmissions.com/
• Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point – http://www.usmma.edu/
• Coast Guard Academy at New London – http://www.cga.edu/

Job Corps is a federal program that provides hands-on career training and education programs that can help students find the path to personal and career success – all at no cost to eligible youth. While enrolled, Job Corps students have the opportunity to obtain their high school diploma and plan for their careers. It provides students with individual attention, smaller classrooms and an education plan that is personal to his or her situation.