College Corner

Attention, All Juniors and Seniors!

A Message from Your Counselor

All juniors and seniors are required to meet with me at least once before May 1, 2020, to discuss your academic path, your progress toward graduation, and your future plans. I look forward to meeting with you and will be contacting you to set up a time to meet with you virtually. You can also contact me at pamela.vanvelsir@ileadonline.org.

Juniors: It’s never too soon to start thinking about applying to colleges. Now that you are well into your second semester, it’s time to step up your college-planning game and make sure you are on track for applying to colleges. It’s recommended that you take the SAT for the first time in the spring of your junior year so that you’ll have an opportunity to take it a second time in the fall of your senior year if you need to retake it. 

The next time the SAT will be offered is May 2, 2020. The registration deadline for that test is April 3, 2020. Click here for information on the test dates and whether or not subject tests will be given on those dates. 

And don’t forget there are free practice tests out there. Check out the College Board for more information. 

The SAT is offered nationally seven times each year — in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December — usually on the first or second Saturday of the month. 

Here are some planning tips from the College Board the spring of your junior year.

There are many websites out there for parents of juniors. Simply Google “things my high school junior needs to do in spring” for some tips.

Learners, think of this time as if you were a detective: Narrow your focus regarding what your college goals are. Investigate colleges that offer programs you’re interested in. Make a list of these colleges and, if possible, make arrangements to visit those campuses to get familiar with the culture and their programs. Confirm which tests colleges require. Some don’t accept the ACT, only the SAT. This information is available on the college’s online site. 

Another important thing to think about is how much this is going to cost. Investigate options for scholarships and grants, and be sure to go online to read about the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal learner Aid) to get an idea of what it is, what’s required to apply, and when you’ll need to do that.

I will be reaching out to you during the semester to discuss your future plans. 

Seniors

By now you have completed your college applications, testing, and financial aid applications and are probably waiting to hear back from your chosen schools. While all that is true, there are still some things to remember.

• Keep your grades strong. Second-semester senior grades are part of the final transcript sent to your college choice.
• Continue college research. 
• Check your transcript. 
• Know your deadlines. 
• Review financial aid awards.
• Count admission notifications. Check the outcome in March and April (unless you applied early). Were you accepted? Congratulations! Rejected? Move on. Did you receive a different response, such as a spring start or wait list? Well done. 

As you evaluate outcomes, you should revisit your priorities and review your current school options to select your first choice from your acceptances. Read the entire acceptance or denial letter. Be clear on the specific agreement into which you may be entering. Keep in mind that schools may take all summer — until August 1 — to make a decision about the wait list. This is the time to engage your best decision-making skills. Then, if your number does come up and you are offered a spot, you can confidently notify the college of your decision. Try to visit or even revisit the colleges where you have been accepted. Talk with alumni. Attend an accepted-learner reception. Then confidently make your college choice official by sending in your deposit.

I’ll check in with you to see how things are going this semester!

Ms. Van Velsir
iLEAD Online School Counselor