As Early Action and Early Decision deadlines approach, with November 1 being the first major deadline for many students, it is highly encouraged that seniors take advantage of Fall Break to wrap up their applications.
School and College Counselor Ms. Jenny Myers said, “Early Action allows students to receive a decision sooner than Regular Decision but a final commitment is not needed until spring. For some schools, submitting your complete application by this date will also allow you to be automatically considered for most scholarships.”
Before working on the Common Application, also known as the Common App, seniors were required to meet with their respective counselor to review where they are in the application process and discuss all aspects of postsecondary planning. This step should already have been completed, as seniors have been instructed to meet with their counselor at least twice thus far in the semester.
To complete the Common App, seniors must fill out the general Common App questions as well as each individual school’s questions. Ensure that you have selected the appropriate application type and deadline for each school on both Naviance and the Common App.
Transcripts and letters of recommendation should be requested in Naviance, and the Common App essay, as well as any supplemental essays, should be completed and entered in the Common App.
Ms. Myers advises seniors to focus specifically on finishing up applications and essays and visiting college campuses if possible over Fall Break. If in-person tours are not available or do not work with your schedule, take advantage of virtual tours or information sessions advertised on universities’ websites.
The College and Career Center will also be open during drop-in hours every day next week to provide a focused work space with counselors available to answer questions (check your email for the dates that your counselor will be there).
Even though not every student has an Early Action or Early Decision deadline to meet, all seniors should take advantage of these five days without schoolwork or other commitments to focus on fine-tuning Common App essays, work on supplementals, visit college campuses, and complete other application information. Fall break is an opportunity to get ahead of the game and potentially even submit applications early so that the rest of the year is less busy and stressful.
Before submitting the Common Application, Common Black College Application, or institutional application for any schools, thoroughly review every component of your application and meet with your counselor to ensure that everything has been correctly filled out.
Though college applications can be overwhelming, there are several resources available on campus to aid in the process. In the words of Ms. Myers, “Your counselor is here to help. Take a deep breath. You’re almost there!”
