Senior College Countdown

WALLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL                                                                             GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

Wallington, New Jersey                                                                                                         2011-2012

CEEB Code:  311565

SENIOR – COLLEGE COUNTDOWN

Please use this information as a guide for the college admission process.  Place a check next to each item as you complete it. 

SEPTEMBER

-          Make a list of test names, dates, fees, registration deadlines, and of deadlines for college admissions and financial aid applications.

-          Register for the SAT or ACT test.

-          Remember that you must register for tests like the SAT and ACT at least six weeks before the actual test date.  Late registration can be done online by 9/21 for the October 1 SAT.

-          Narrow your list of college choices.

-          Apply to colleges online when possible – otherwise, send for college applications.

-          Arrange for additional college visits.

-          Begin asking teachers, guidance counselors, and employers for letters of recommendation to include with your admissions and/or scholarship applications.

-          Athletes must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

-          Prepare questions/concerns for your guidance counselor appointment in September.

OCTOBER

-          Take the SAT or ACT exam, if necessary.

-          Work on admissions application essays.

-          Begin preparing your college applications.  Check with the colleges to find out when materials must be postmarked.

-          Meet with college representatives when they visit W.H.S. and make sure you attend our College Fair!

-          Attend “Open House” college programs and additional College Fairs with your parents.

-          Visit your top school choices.  Interview some college students, faculty, and staff.

-          Attend special programs such as financial aid nights.

-          Find out which financial aid applications your colleges require and the due dates of forms.

-          CSS Profile must be completed by students applying to private colleges/universities;

CSS also needed for certain scholarships.

NOVEMBER

-          Take the SAT or ACT exam, if necessary.

-          *Complete college applications and submit to the guidance secretary with the application fee at least two weeks prior to its due date.  Keep a dated copy of all material.

-          Obtain financial aid applications from your guidance office or college of choice.  Read them carefully to determine what information is required and when the applications are due.

DECEMBER

-          Bring any remaining college applications to Mrs. Calabrese, the guidance secretary, at least 3 weeks  before Christmas recess, unless a college deadline specifies otherwise.

-          Be sure to request the guidance secretary to send your first transcript at least two weeks prior to its due date.  (Transcripts and applications are processed in the order in which they are received.)

-          The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available only online at www.fafsa.gov  DO NOT SUBMIT IT BEFORE JANUARY 1.

-          Apply for outside funding or scholarships.

-          PARENTS:  Save your year-end payroll stub if it shows your earnings for the year.  You may need it for financial aid eligibility reviews by schools.

JANUARY

-          Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1.  Keep a dated copy of all data.  (Male students must be registered with the Selective Service in order to receive federal money.)

-          January is Financial Aid Awareness Month.  Look for special programs in your area. 

-          PARENTS:  It’s helpful to get your income tax returns prepared early; schools may request them to prove eligibility for financial aid.

-          Apply for State Grant Programs.

-          Investigate any scholarship possibilities.

-          Keep a close check on your grades and course requirements.

FERUARY

-          Check to see if your mid-year transcripts have been sent to the colleges that require them.

-          Mail your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), if you have not already done so.  February 15 is the best latest date to submit information so it gets to the colleges in time.

-          Consider taking Advanced Placement (AP) or College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams.

-          Rank your finalized list of colleges.

MARCH

-          Look for your Student Aid Report (SAR)  in the mail.  Your SAR contains federal financial aid information.

-          Submit SAR and tax forms to the financial aid office if requested.  Contact each office to make certain that your application is complete.  Find out what else you need to do to establish and maintain your eligibility for financial aid.

-          Keep copies of all forms you submit to the financial aid office.

-          If you have not received your Student Aid Report four weeks after sending in your FAFSA, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center.

APRIL

-          Watch the mail for college acceptance and financial aid award letters.  Compare the financial aid awards you receive.

-          Make your final decision and send in a deposit by the deadline.

-          Check with the college you’ve chosen about the details of signing and returning financial aid award letters.

-          Notify the other schools that you will not be attending.

-          Watch for important deadlines at your chosen college (housing, financial aid, etc.).

-          Notify the Guidance Secretary of all acceptances, denials, and your final decision.

MAY

-          If you are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, take the examinations that are given at Wallington High School.

-          If you need and are eligible for a student or parent loan, research banks for loans and applications.  Consider Educaid:  1-877-318-2368 (now Wells Fargo Education Aid.)

-          Finalize summer school or summer job plans.

JUNE

-          Finalize plans with the college you will attend.

-          Make sure housing forms, orientation materials, physical examination forms, deposits and any other necessary forms are completed.

-          Be sure to complete all necessary W.H.S. guidance forms so that the final transcript and scholarship money can be forwarded to the college you will attend.

* Only completed application packets will be accepted by the Guidance Office.  A packet includes:  1) the completed application (typed or printed neatly), dated and signed;

 2) the application fee (check or money order); 3) postage; 4) if required, a personal statement and/or letters of recommendation; 5) your transcript (completed by the Guidance Office).