Hi there Seniors (and their parental units) – Greetings from sunny Maine where the leaves are turning and the comforters are out of the cedar chest and on the beds. Chilly at night!
Well for the first time since 2016 my Yankees aren’t in the playoffs, so I’ve got more time on my hands than usual, so let’s talk College Applications.
Those of you who’ve met with me know that the timeline I suggest is to have your list of colleges you’ll apply to finalized by November 1, and all your applications signed, sealed and delivered by November 30th.
Those of you applying Early Action or Early Decision (make sure you understand the difference!) need to move that timetable up some: you should know which schools will be getting your early apps by now, and send those bad boys off by the ED or EA deadline (which are usually between Nov. 1 and Nov. 15).
Parents need to understand that there are financial ramifications to junior (senior, actually, but you know what I mean) applying Early Decision (that’s the BINDING one). You need to know ahead of time what your financial need (or EFC) is, if any, AND how likely the college is to meet that need. This isn’t as complicated as it sounds, and fear not, the College Guy’s got your back here. Many of you have already had this discussion with me. If you have not, feel free to call for a gratis explanation of what I’m talking about. (BTW, your guidance counselor is not likely to be able to lay it out for you properly. That’s not intended as a slam on guidance counselors – but they just don’t teach this stuff in M.S. ED. programs.)
While we’re on the topic of financial aid, parents should be working on completing the CSS PROFILE for the colleges your student is applying to which require it. There are around 400 Colleges and Universities which require the PROFILE – including most of the best known private schools. Here’s the list of the schools which require this form:
You fill out this form by going to the Collegeboard web page: www.collegeboard.org and scrolling down to the link which says CSS PROFILE. Here’s a tip parents: when it asks you to sign in DON’T CREATE YOUR OWN ACCOUNT. Sign in as your kid – use their user name and password. Trust me on this, it’ll go a lot smoother this way.
Did I mention you need to PAY to submit the CSS PROFILE? You do. But fear not, there are generous waivers for folks who don’t have a lot of money, and the aid you may get by applying can make the inconvenience of having to “pay to play” worth it.
The second financial aid form – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)- which is required by EVERY college and university if you’re applying for assistance – has been delayed this year until December. So sit tight on that one – I’ll let you know when it goes live. For now, work on the CSS PROFILE and get it done this month.
Oh one more thing: if you’re the parent of a high school senior planning to begin college in the fall of 2024, the CSS PROFILE you’re filling out is the 2024-25 one.
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So back to you seniors: If you’ve been meeting with me you already know this, but for those of you who have not here’s where you should be at now w/r/t your college process:
*You should be well underway toward completing the Common Application**. Pay particular attention to your descriptions of your activities, and for crying out loud list 10 of ‘em. Remember hobbies and jobs count – including yard work and babysitting. If you’re coming up blank ask your parents to remind you of all the cool stuff you’ve done since 9th grade. They remember.
*Consider including the optional 250 word “How COVID impacted me” response, as well as a second 650 word essay in “Additional Information”. I view both these options as “open nets” – they’re inviting you to take a shot. Do so, and make it good!
**Some colleges don’t use the Common Application, in which case you fill out their application. No biggie.
**The University of California system AND the California State University System (yes, they’re different) have their own one-size-fits-all application, and their deadlines are all November 30th. Get on it!
*You should also be well underway toward completing the “Questions” sections each of your colleges ask on the Common Application. Go to your DASHBOARD to find them.
*You need to have asked for letters of recommendation from your guidance counselor, teachers and “others”. I recommend you ask up to three teachers and up to three others, although you won’t submit all of them at the same time. I don’t want to confuse you with further explanation so call me if you want to know more about my take on how and when to use letters of rec.
*Those of you at schools using SCOIRE or NAVIANCE need to understand how these programs work. I’m sure it’s been explained to you by now but don’t be bashful about asking your guidance counselor if you missed the memo.
*Last (but not least) I’m a proponent of “overapplying” – giving each of your colleges what they ask for, and then a bit more. That can include extra writing, letters ‘o rec, an annotated resume, a “show and tell” piece. Those who’ve met with me know just what I’m talking about. If you haven’t met with me and want to know more let me hear from you (contact information below). I don’t charge for a schmooze.
Well boys and girls, mom and dads, that’s about all for this newsletter. I know it may feel daunting but take it slow and steady, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and remember that IMHO it matters not a bit about what college you attend. What matters is what you do AFTER you get there. Ya dig?
That’s my story and I’m sticking with it. Feel free to forward this to other seniors or parents of seniors, and if you want help or further explanation of any of the above give me a holler. That’s why I’m here.
From your ecstatic educator, your whimsical wizard, your crafty connoisseur, your perspicacious pundit, your nattering nabob of knowledge,
– Gary
P.S. I’m currently accepting class of ’25 students as we speak, so do me a solid and recommend me to your buddies and acquaintances who are juniors. And if you’d rather not get these occasional orations, let me know, and you won’t.
P.P.S. Watch this – it’s right-on AND it’s hilarious. When it comes to selective college admissions the Emperor truly has no clothes.
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