How to Make the Transition

Choosing a college is the most important decision you’ll make before graduating from high school.  Where you spend the next phase of your life will help you build a strong foundation for your future.  It’s during your college years that your life takes direction, when you start planning for career success, and where you meet and make lifelong friends and mentors.

Selecting the college that fits your individual needs can be overwhelming and challenging, but it can be exciting as well. The proper preparation can help you navigate this process and find a college that’s right for you. 

Below is a college planning guide that might help prepare you for the next step:

Junior Year

Take the Spring SAT/ACT

Many colleges accept the highest combined score on your entrance test. So, it maybe in your best interest to take the test multiple times.

Meet with your Guidance Counselor

Your guidance counselor has assisted many students through the college search process. Visit with your guidance counselor to explore your options and gain helpful information.

Research Colleges

When trying to find the right college for you, it’s helpful to review college guidebooks and college search engines. Be sure to use a comprehensive source: Many search engines and guidebooks don’t list all schools that exist- they only list schools that pay to advertise in them.

Request Information from schools of interest

After you’ve identified colleges that fit your criteria, create a list of those you’re interested in learning more about. Request information from these schools to learn more. Specifically, inquire about academic programs, scholarship opportunities, application and admission procedures, upcoming events, etc.

Attend Local College Fairs

College fairs offer special opportunities to meet with college representatives; this meeting allows you to gain a stronger sense of a college and what it has to offer you. You should come prepared with a list of questions that you will ask each school’s representatives and then compare the notes later.

Most colleges will also have you fill out a card with basic information so they can put you on a mailing list. Prepare this information ahead of time on labels or photocopied pieces of paper include your name, address, phone number, email, high school name, GPA, SAT, year of graduation, academic interest and sports interest, if applicable.

Visit College Campuses

Visiting a college campus can be one of the best ways to decide if a school is right for you.  This visit allows you to get a feel for the community, environment, and people. Throughout the visit, try to speak with current students and experience as much as you can. After the guided tour, walk around on your own.

Keep in mind that visiting a college campus over the summer may be convenient for your schedule but may not be the best time to see the campus in full swing, so try visiting while school is in session.

Senior Year

Register and Take the Fall SAT/ACT

You should take the SAT/ACT at least twice, this will not hurt, many colleges combine your highest scores.

Attend Open Houses

If you haven’t already visited all the colleges on your list, open houses are a great way to learn about a school and meet with people who make up that community.

Begin to Refine Your List of Colleges

By this time, you should have enough information to start narrowing down the choices on your list.  It is recommended that you narrow your list to between three to six colleges before you begin the application process.

Complete Application Forms

Make sure you send in all materials, including your essay, before the college’s application deadline.

Schedule an Interview or Campus Tour

If you haven’t already visited the campus, you may want to do so during your senior year. You can also request an interview at this time. This may strengthen your application and also give you an opportunity to get to know the school better.

File for Financial Aid

You should file for financial aid as soon as possible after January 1 of your senior year. It’s important to file your tax returns as early as possible too since you generally need this completed in order to file for financial aid.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)- It is universally accepted by all colleges.  Be sure to obtain a PIN.

Don’t Get “Senioritis”

It’s important to continue with the same level of coursework that you demonstrated to the college when you were accepted. Students have had college admission rescinded based on poor performance during their last semester in high school.

Notify the School You Want to Attend After you make your decision
Send in confirmation to the school you’ve decided to attend.

Read All Correspondence from the College

You will receive important information regarding your financial aid awards, testing, orientation, registration, billing, first day of classes, ect. Be sure you pay close attention and follow up with relevant offices on campus if you have questions or concerns.