Getting In and Beyond

So, it seems like you finally have everything sorted out. You requested those test scores, you're still days away from the deadline, and you should feel ready to go. But something is still bothering you. Maybe it's the finality of pressing that submit button, or maybe it's the fact that the reality is catching up to you: you're really starting to embark on a new chapter in your life. To help make you feel a little bit less  stressed, here is a checklist of things you need to do before you hit that submit button. Three Weeks Before Deadline: 1. Make sure you requested anything that takes awhile to get sent to a college. While most colleges are pretty lenient about getting in everything else except your application by the deadline (such as transcripts, test scores, and teacher recommendations), I would recommend you get everything in by the deadline. That way, if there are delays, you can rest easy. 2. If you haven't done so, finish writing any essays that need ...

Your high school counselor is by far your most valuable resource when it comes to the college application process. Here's a list of tips I have for having a great relationship with your high school counselor and to make sure he/she will have your back during the college app process! 1. Start meeting with him/her early. I'm talking about (at latest) first month of freshman year. If you're a sophomore, don't panic if you haven't talk to him or her just yet. It is bad if you still don't know who your high school counselor is or have never exchanged more than a few words with him or her by your senior year. And no, meetings with your counselor for course selection does not  count. Really make an effort to meet up with your counselor! I promise you it is not that awkward. 2. Have an agenda for the meeting. Scheduling the appointment is one thing, but this isn't a type of to-do list with only one item. It's important that your counselor is on the same pa...

Hey, congrats on being a senior! Senior year is super exciting yet incredibly nerve-wracking, so hopefully these tips will help you alleviate that stress a little bit as you start your last first couple of weeks of school (if that makes sense). 1. Request transcripts. Your school takes time to process this kind of stuff! As far as I know, it's free to request and send out transcripts, so there's no harm in sending them out. If you decide to not apply to a school that you requested a transcript for, that's fine (though disclaimer: don't get all willy-nilly with that). Make sure you have all your papers in order. My school requires a signed form from a parent or guardian authorizing transcripts to be released, and that takes a lot of time to process, so make sure you actually can request a transcript before it's too late. 2. Turn in rolling admissions apps (if you haven’t done so at this point). Rolling admission applications are by far the most straightforward....