Readers: There are so many things that your seniors in high school need to do this fall to get admitted into college next year. Have them study the following checklist to see if they are doing, have done or plan to do all that is needed to make sure that their college application process goes smoothly.
- -Meet with their school counselor to make sure they are on track to graduate and will fulfill college entrance requirements.
- -Complete their research on colleges they want to attend.
- -Make sure they have taken the required college admission tests for the schools where they will apply.
- -Register for and take admission tests if they haven't taken the tests or wish to retake tests to improve test scores.
- -Plan to consult with their high-school counselor about getting a fee waiver if paying for tests will be a problem.
- -Apply for scholarships.
- -Get admission applications from colleges.
- -Be sure to check if each college that they plan to apply to will accept the Common Application. More than 500 colleges will.
- -Visit the Common Application website (www.commonapp.org) to secure this application now. It will greatly simplify the application process.
- -Complete admission applications for all colleges.
- -Be careful to follow all application instructions, especially sending in applications before the deadlines.
- -Before the deadlines for submitting references, ask teachers and counselors to complete the appropriate forms for them.
- -Have the school submit required transcripts.
- -Get the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form as soon as it is available.
- -Complete and turn in the FAFSA on Jan. 1.
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