You can almost hear our world collectively sigh as 2020 comes to an end. Hope for an effective COVID vaccine, herd immunity and a return to life as we once knew it propel us toward 2021. If you’re a high school senior, or the parent of one, you may be experiencing a similar feeling after a season of angst over filling out applications, writing essays and meeting deadlines. You look forward to a respite in 2021 and college decisions that will replace this period of uncertainty with clear direction for your future. But, just as the world must continue to be patient as we await a return to normalcy, so must you as you await those final college answers.
Before you completely check out by immersing yourself in a new Netflix series or the latest version of your favorite video game, make sure you have tied up the following loose ends to ensure your best chance of success for your future.
- Check your email and college accounts. Often.
Email is how colleges will communicate with you initially, if not all the way through to acceptance. Once any part of your application has been submitted, most colleges will let you know via email. In that email, a college will typically give you access to a portal where you can check on the status of your application. Make sure you check these portals often. I suggest you use the same username and password for each account and share it with your parents. - Upload additional documents via the college’s portal.
At some schools, teacher recommendations, supplemental resumes and other documents will need to be uploaded to the college’s portal. Make sure you upload any additional documents you want the college to consider as soon as you have access to the portal. - Turn in all required financial aid and scholarship applications.
Submit the required financial aid and scholarship applications at your colleges. Deadlines vary from one university to the next, so check the dates at each one. Some colleges require you to apply for financial aid before they will consider you for a scholarship. Likewise, some colleges require a separate application for scholarships altogether. Find out the policy at your schools. - Apply for outside scholarships.
Many civic organizations and other private entities offer scholarships with spring application deadlines. Visit your high school counselor’s website and scholarship apps like FastWeb and Unigo to find scholarships for which you may be eligible. - Apply for housing and put down a deposit, if necessary.
Many colleges allow you apply for housing before you have been accepted. Some colleges (especially big public schools) have limited housing for students and most offer different types of dorms at different price points. Typically, the earlier you put down a housing deposit, the earlier you get to choose your dorm and the better chance you have of getting the one you want. You may need to submit a deposit at several colleges if you don’t yet know which one you will attend. Make sure you understand the university’s refund policy before putting down any money. - Thank your recommenders!
Did a teacher, counselor, coach or employer go to bat for you with a letter of recommendation? Make sure you thank them (preferably the old-fashioned way, with a card delivered by hand or in the mail). Writing recommendations goes above and beyond their job descriptions and takes time and thought. Let them know you appreciate it. - Keep up your grades.
Colleges and universities admit students with the caveat that you are required to finish your senior year demonstrating the same level of achievement you demonstrated on your application. A study conducted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) found that 20% of colleges had revoked an offer of admission with the main reason being poor final grades. Keep up the good work at school and resist “senioritis”. - Keep social media in check.
Another reason offers get revoked? Offensive social media posts. While most admissions offices are too busy to check out every applicant’s social media account, anything you publicly put out there is fair game in college admissions. Go through your accounts and delete anything that could be considered offensive, including groups you may be following. And, of course, be careful with your posts from here on out. - Visit every college you can before making a final decision.
Remember that you have until May 1 to make a decision at most universities. Nothing will help you decide if a college is a fit for you like an in-person visit. If any of your colleges offer on-campus tours this spring, take them. For those that don’t, make plans to attend a virtual session - Enjoy the final semester of senior year!
This school year remains challenging on a number of levels, but live it to the fullest extent you can. Consider abiding by the Serenity Prayer: have the courage to change what you can, the serenity to accept what you cannot change, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Good luck, Seniors! I wish you all the best in 2021!
