Senior year

  • Senior Year - What to Expect


    So you have made it to your senior year! For some, the road to becoming a senior has been a long and tiring journey, and for others it has gone by in a flash. To whichever camp you fall under, you all share one thing in common...GRADUATION! It is on the horizon and we are here to make sure that you leave high school college or career ready!

    Senior year, for most students means two things: It is a time to celebrate your accomplishments, but it is also a time to really work hard to prepare for your future. Some students will want to take it easy during senior year, however we discourage this type of thought. Put forth your best effort in everything that you take on!

    The fall of your senior year is going to be a very busy time. Start accomplishing what you can over the summer so you do not overwhelm yourself.

    Senior Summer Checklist:

    • Research possible colleges in Naviance Family Connection
    • Visit college campuses
    • Keep a file of college information
    • Create an activity resume (in Naviance Family Connection)
    • Parents complete "brag sheet"

    When you return to school in September, it is going to seem like a whirlwind. You will be meeting with your counselor, applying to college or making other post-secondary plans, adjusting to your new classes and teachers, as well as searching for scholarships, working, and participating in extracurricular activities and athletics. Below is an outline of what you should be doing when.

    September/October

    • Challenge yourself. Be sure you are taking the most rigorous courseload you can handle - Colleges are looking at the strength of your course selections!
    • Update your resume/activities sheet containing your education, extracurriculars, community service, leadership and accomplishments and work experience in Naviance Family Connection
    • Meet with your Counselor for your Senior Interview. At this meeting you will discuss graduation requirements, post-secondary plans and other pertinent topics.
    • If you are considering applying Early Decision, make your Senior Interview early to discuss this option and how to proceed.
    • Read the Counseling Connection for important events, dates and scholarships
    • Take the SAT and/or ACT if you have not already done so or if you think you need to improve your test scores
    • Make sure you know what information is required of you on each application
    • Become familiar with RHSHS Counseling Center application procedures (see below)
    • Attend visits with college admissions representatives at the school
    • Attend the Marketplace Mall College Fair
    • Request recommendation letters from teachers who will write you a supportive letter.
    • Begin to familiarize yourself with the Colleges Tab in Naviance Family Connection, as well as begin filling out the Common Application

    November

    • Attempt to finish all college applications before the Thanksgiving Recess
    • Submit your applications to the Counseling Center at least 10 SCHOOL DAYS in advance of the college application deadline
    • Investigate sources of Financial Aid (See /webpages/LTabone/links.cfm)
    • Take the SAT and/or ACT if you have not already done so or if you think you need to improve your test scores
    • Make arrangements to have your test scores sent if the college requires them directly from the testing agency
    • Academic Progress Checks after Q1 - Keep focused on your academics

    December

    • If colleges you are applying to have a January 1 application, get your materials submitted no later than December 1. Remember we need 10 school days for processing applications
    • Have your family begin gathering information for the FAFSA for mailing after January 1. You will need to apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov

    January

    • As soon after January 1 as possible, complete your FAFSA online.
    • Attend Financial Aid Night
    • If a portfolio or audition is required for admission, make arrangements for this ASAP
    • Prepare for mid-year exams. Semester 1 grades will be sent to the colleges you have applied to
    • Check the Counseling Connection for potential scholarship opportunities
    • Academic Progress Checks after Q2 - Keep focused on your academics

    February/March

    • Continue to investigate and apply for scholarships
    • Visit colleges during February Recess if you haven't already done so
    • If interested in the military, meet with the various branches during their lunchtime visits

    April

    • If you can't decide between schools that have accepted you, plan to visit the schools again
    • Make sure to meet all deadlines for acceptance, deposits, housing etc.
    • Once you have decided which college you will be attending, let the college know
    • Academic Progress Checks after Q3

    May

    • Make your college choice and put your deposit down at that college
    • Inform your Counselor of your final decision and update this in Naviance Family Connection
    • AP exams - prepare well for these as your score will play a role in whether or not your receive college credit for this

    June

    • Request that your final transcript be sent to the college you plan to attend
    • Have a safe and enjoyable graduation. Be proud of all you have accomplished

    July/August

    • Make an appointment to make your schedule for the fall semester
    • Request transcripts from MCC/U of R/RIT if you took any classes there or earned any dual credit. It is not up to RH to send this information

    A Very Brief Overview of the College Application Process

    • Determine what information is required for each college and when it must reach the college.
    • Consider using the Common or SUNY applications, as these can be used to apply to multiple schools at once. However, there will still be application fees for each school applied to.
    • Make sure your application materials look professional (i.e. capitalize when necessary, accurate spelling, appropriate email addresses)

    Step 1:

    Set and keep a SENIOR APPOINTMENT with me to discuss college options, decisions and progress!

    Step 2:

    Complete the necessary application documents. These include: The Green sheet (Transcript request form authorizing us to release your records), the application itself, payment, personal essay if required, resume/activity sheet and letter(s) of recommendation. Some applications may also require a portfolio, audition or other supplements.

    Step 3:

    Submit as much information as you can electronically and then submit your green sheet and any additional material to Mrs. Leatzaw in the Counseling Center. We will then provide the school profile, transcript SAT/ACT scores, AP scores, courses in progress and a recommendation letter if you request it. Please do not assume that I will be writing you a recommendation. You will need to request one from me, the same way you request it from a teacher, by asking.

    *** Our senior team will process over 1,000 college and scholarship applications this year! Please allow 10 school days for processing your application package.***

    Additional things to keep in mind:

    • Please allow adequate writing time for those you've asked to provide recommendations letters (teachers, coaches, employers).
    • Not sure how many schools you should be applying to? I suggest that you should have three target schools, which means that your student profile matches the profiles of students accepted to that school last year. You should also have one reach school and one back-up school. We will discuss what this means for you at your senior appointment.