Senior Year Timeline in the College Admission Process

Finally, It's the time of the year to complete your college applications.  While this may seem daunting, the key to success is to not only make the admission office's deadlines but the ones you and I agree to before it all gets started.  Time and time again, I have seen that if we pace ourselves throughout this process, we will reduce stress and be able to submit the applications on time. Are you ready?

In general terms this is the timeline I would recommend we adhere to submit applications during senior year.  Note that most students complete all of their testing by the end of your junior year.   I have noted in the timeline the likely dates to take additional tests, if necessary.  

Once we firm up the college list will would blow out the timeline below to include the specifics of each school.    Remember to stay on course and keep up the good grades your senior year!
  

SENIOR YEAR TIMELINE FOR FALL 2018 ADMISSIONS

• August 2017
• Finalize college list
• Download Common App / Coalition  prompts
• Work on main essay
• September 2017
• Firm up teacher recommendations
• Finalize resume/activity list, main essay 
• Update Common App/Coalition
• October 2017
• Finalize EA/ED supplementals, request transcripts, test scores
• Submit EA/ED applications, if applicable
• Submit FAFSA
• Take SAT/ACT tests, if applicable (to make the EA/ED/RD  admission's deadline)
• November 2017
• Work on supplementals
• Submit 12/1 due applications, if applicable
• Take SAT/ACT tests, if applicable (to make the RD  admission's deadline)
• December 2017
• Finalize supplementals, request transcripts, test scores
• ED/EA admissions decision by 12/15
• Submit 1/1 due applications, if applicable
• January 2018
• Submit RD, RA and ED2 applications, if applicable
• Ensure mid-year grades are sent to all colleges 
• March 2018
• RD admissions decision by 3/31
• May 2018
• Decision and Deposit Due by 5/1

Below please find key definitions included in the timeline.  Please familiarize yourself with this and let let's  discuss so that we can agree together with your parents and school counselor which way to proceed:

• Types of Admissions 
• Early Decision (ED)  - if you are certain of the one college you would like to attend and do not have a financial limitation this may be right for you. You will get an admissions decision by 12/15 including a financial aid package.  However,  this application is binding, i.e. you commit to attend this college if admitted and must withdraw all other pending applications, unless the financial aid package falls short of your family's needs.   Please note that some colleges provide two early rounds (ED1 and ED2)  providing a second opportunity to apply early on 1/1 for a 2/15 admissions decision. 
• Early Action (EA) -  Some colleges offer the opportunity for you to apply early and get an admissions decision by 12/15. These are not restrictive - (you can apply to multiple schools) , not binding (you are not committed to register) and  you have until May 1st to register, if applicable.    If your transcript is solid and you are ready to apply by 11/1, this may be a good way of getting ahead and having one admission decision in your pocket by the end of the year.  
• Restrictive Early Action (EA) - Some colleges which do not offer ED offer REA, a variation of ED/EA.  If you apply to the schools REA program, you cannot apply to any other ED/EA schools.   Yet this is  not binding (you are not committed to register) and  you have until May 1st to register, if applicable. If your first choice school offers REA and your transcript is solid and you are ready to apply by 11/1,  you may want to get this decision before the end of the year.  
• Regular Decision (RD) - The Regular Decision process is the preferred process by most students as it allows you more time to prepare your application, including your mid year grade report and  fall testing, if necessary.  There are clear advantages for you to send out multiple applications and receive multiple decisions at one, providing you with a balanced perspective by which to make this important decision.  Most RD applications are due 12/1-2/1 and most decisions are sent out in March.  You will be asked to make a decision by May 1.
• Rolling Admissions (RA) - The RA process is used by many large universities and usually has due dates late in the school year.   However, the school states that the rolling admission will remain active until the freshman class is full.  This is one time where it would be beneficial to apply early as to get your application read ahead of the pack and getting a decision before the class starts filling in. 
• Institutional Priority Admission -  Colleges have institutional priorities which you may benefit from.  These provide another layer of consideration in the college admissions process. Example of these are:
• Legacy/Development Potential - Some colleges give priority treatment to students who have legacy (alumni parents or even grandparents for some colleges) or are identified as development potential.  Both groups are given preferential treatment with the hope that they will be contributors to the institutions fundraising efforts.
• Scholarship - Colleges identify many groups they want to provide preferential admissions or financial aid in order to diversify the student body.  Diversity can be identified as underrepresented students (race, socioeconomic, geographic backgrounds).  Many schools do not require specific applications for these scholarships but it is good to check on the school's financial aid website.  
• Athletes - Recruited athletes are recommended by a coach for admissions purposes.  The admissions calendar for Division 1  and 2 athletes  is unique and require additional steps to be taken before the senior year.   Please refer to NCAA Guide for College Bound Student Athlete for suggested step by step timeline throughout high school for D1 & D2  Sports admissions.    For Division 3 sports, students go through the regular admissions timeline since these students athletes will be admitted on their overall applications package.  Nevertheless, supplemental videos, etc should be prepared as part of the application.
• Performing Arts - Performing Art prospective students have a timetable of their own, submitting their applications at specific due dates, supplemented with professional videos / CV.  Most schools require a live audition for the final evaluation.   Larger schools provide the option to apply to the general college in the event the student is not admitted in the Performing Arts school.    

• College Application Content

• College Application Components:  These are the components required by most college applications depending on the selectivity of the college.

Let's discuss definitions:

• Application -  Many schools accept the Common Application which allows you to submit one general application and customize it by answering the questions/prompts specific to each college you are applying.   In addition, you can keep track of your application complete status plus utilize it to request your teachers recommendations.  Similar to this is the  Universal Application (over 50 colleges accept this application) and more recently the Coalition for College Access (accepted by 90 colleges) provides this service plus an interest My Locker cloud storage for you to save your college application materials throughout your high school years. 
• Testing Scores - 
• SAT/ACT You must submit the scores to the colleges you are applying to at least 2-3 weeks before the due date.  The College Board will send all of your SAT scores unless  you choose the Score Choice option.  Many colleges require that you send all scores and they may superscore (i.e. choose the highest score on different sections/dates).  The ACT however will charge for each result so you must select which one to send.  
• SAT Subject & AP Tests Depending on the college, you may need to send SAT Subject & AP test results following the same lead times as the SAT.  If you decide to exercise the Testing-Option, you may be required to submit supplement writing/graded materials.
• High School Transcript -  You must request your school counselor to submit your high school transcript to all the schools you are applying.   Please make sure to follow the guidance office's process on time. 
• Activity List/Resume - We will work together in developing a good activity list and resume to include in your college application.  Please be ready to talk about your accomplishments and bring copy of all of your awards, both academic and extracurricular
• Personal Statement/Supplemental Questions - Most applications will require a Main personal statement, which should provide a good glimpse of who you are.  This statement will be thorough, well thought out, especially well written and should answer one of the prompts on the application.  Separately, you will also have to respond to supplemental questions with the same care as the Main essay.  Do not underestimate the importance of these essays and proofread! 
• Counselor and Teacher/Community Letters of Recommendations - Most colleges will require at least 2 recommendations (counselor plus one teacher recommendation).  Please request these early to ensure you give appropriate time for your teacher/counselor submit before the application rush.  Please select carefully the teacher/community person who you want to write a letter on your behalf - he/she should know you well and should be able to speak favorably of you.  It would be helpful to provide them with information (like your resume) to help them write a thorough letter. 

Handy resources to use for research and organizing your school lists 

•  naviance.org 
• Your school counseling website
• Popular search engines (collegeboard.org, niche.com )