While college is a logical progression after senior year for some students, for many low-income and first-generation students, it is impossible. My friend Katie Reinhart — Major Gifts Officer at College Possible in the Milwaukee branch — helped me understand some of the barriers facing the students they support. She identifies the absence of a role model in their lives as one of the biggest hurdles. Besides the financial burden, she also points to cultural issues, such as being perceived as different from their peers and even feeling ashamed of their circumstances.
College Possible coaching and support helps the students achieve success in their application to college. Through weekly mentoring, college coaches reach out to college-enrolled students via social media and continue to provide them with resources to be successful in college. They use the “Near Peer” model and partner with AmeriCorps and VISTA members to counsel, mentor, and support students who are admitted and enrolled in college.
Here is a check list that may help you organize and be successful in your college application:
(This list is a paraphrased version of the one made by the National Association for College Admission Counselling):
Test, Research, and Organize (August/September)
- Register for standardized testing (SAT and/or ACT).
- Scores are reported to colleges in mid November, hence this will give you ample time to retake if you are not satisfied with your score. The last test scores colleges will consider for a senior are in January if you need to retest.
- Check with your high school counselor to ascertain that you are on track to graduate.
- If you can, consider taking courses at a local university or community college if you are ahead of schedule.
- Make your college list.
- Develop the list in consultation with your family and friends, meet with college representatives visiting your high school, attend local college fairs, and visit college campuses that interest you.
- Narrow your list down to 5-8 schools, including a couple of schools to fall back on.
- Ask your high school counselor to help you request a fee waiver if you cannot afford application fees.
- Browse through college application forms, including financial aid, and gather information you will need.
- Research scholarships. Ask your high school counselor, your colleges, and social groups about available opportunities. Never pay for scholarship information.
- In excel (or another format you like), create a checklist and timeline of test dates, deadlines, fees, college application and financial aid deadlines, recommendations, transcripts. and college essays.
Prepare, Review, and Finalize – Part 1 (October/November)
- Finalize your college essay since some schools may require you to submit it with your application.
- Request official high school transcripts. Follow your school’s procedure.
- Request recommendations from teachers, mentors, school counselors, and/or employers.
- As a courtesy, provide them with appropriate college forms, college essays, and an outline of your academic record and extracurricular activities at least a month in advance.
- Communicate clearly about when you would like the recommendation back from them.
- Keep track of and observe deadlines for sending in all required fees and paperwork.
- Note that some college application deadlines (priority, early decision/action, or rolling admission) are as early as this month.
- Popular and selective college deadlines may be as early as January 1 and then later in January and February.
- Have a parent, teacher, counselor, or other adult proofread your early decision/action application package.
- Make sure testing companies have sent your scores directly to the colleges to which you are applying.
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available this month.
- This is the form you will complete to find out what financial aid you may be eligible to receive from the government. The form cannot be completed before January 1 and should be filed online if possible. Ask your guidance office for a copy or visit www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Prepare, Review and Finalize – Part 2 (December/January)
- Start organizing regular decision applications, including financial aid forms.
- Register for the January SAT (if needed).
- Keep track of and observe deadlines for sending in all required fees and paperwork.
- If necessary, register for the February ACT (some colleges may be able consider it).
- Send first semester transcripts to schools where you applied.
- At the end of the school year, you will need to send final transcripts to the college you will attend.
- February 1 is the deadline to file the FAFSA, but the sooner you complete it, the better idea you will have of your financial aid options.
- Your Student Aid Report (SAR) will arrive in the mail four weeks after the FAFSA is filed.
Wait, Review, and Accept (Feb/March/April)
- Wait to receive admission decisions.
- Continue to work hard in school. The college that you do select and finally attend will require your second semester senior year transcript.
- If you are “waitlisted” by a college you really wish to attend, call and/or write to the admission office to express your interest and ask what you can do to strengthen your application.
- Review acceptance letters and financial aid offers.
- Visit college campuses of your final choices (if you have not already done so).
- Final commitments and a deposit are required by May 1.
- Once your decision is made, inform your high school counselor and accept the admission package with the college of your choice.
- If offered financial aid, accept the offer and follow the instructions.
- Finally, notify schools that you will NOT attend of your decision.
Wrap-up and Relax (May)
- Request that your final transcript be sent to the school you will be attending.
- You are all set and college bound!