Fall

·         First semester grades are very important in the admission process. Make sure you get off to a good start in class.

·         Keep visiting colleges. Try to do overnight visits. Attend fall open houses. Be sure to ask about fall and Thanksgiving breaks so that you don't end up visiting when all the students are gone. If you haven't already done an interview you really should do one at this point.

·         College admission officers will be visiting Wayland throughout the fall. Be sure to go see them, especially those from your top choice schools. Schools use the number of contacts you make as an indication of your interest level.

·         You have additional chances to take the SAT I and SAT II in October, November, and December as well as the ACT which is available in October and December.  Make sure you are aware of registration deadlines. If you are not satisfied with your scores on one test then it might be worthwhile to take the other test. Colleges usually convert all scores to the same scale and take the highest. Your strengths may be better demonstrated on one test versus the other. Click here for a conversion chart which shows how SAT scores compare to ACT scores.

·         Fall athletes who want to be recruited should make a highlight tape of their best games or moments, or put together a sheet of statistics and/or best times.

·         The earlier you begin your essay, the sooner it will be done. You should have started in the summer but if not, you absolutely must get on it ASAP. Begin with brainstorming. Just get your ideas down on paper.

·         Meet with your guidance counselor and discuss how your summer college visits went. Go over your list and narrow it down if necessary.

·         EA vs. ED. Make sure you are familiar with early decision deadlines. Most of them are in November. If you are not considering early decision because of financial reasons, i.e. you want to apply to many schools to compare financial aid awards, let your top choice school know that. They might be able to give you an estimate of your award and while that will not let you compare, you at least won't be going into the ED process blind. Even if you choose not to go through with ED, the school will have a record of the conversation, which will demonstrate your level of interest.

·         Use the common application.

·         Look into applying online. Many schools waive their application fee for online applications.

·         Research scholarship opportunities and get your applications for them completed and mailed.

·         Within the first few weeks of school, speak with the teachers who will be writing your recommendations. Give them a copy of the application form for each school to which you are applying, a list of the deadlines, and a brief resume or list of activities.

·         Artists and musicians should put together portfolios or tapes of their work.

·         Mail applications as soon as possible, especially if you are applying to any schools with rolling admission or priority deadlines.

Winter

·         The regular decision deadline for most schools is in January. If you haven't already mailed your applications, get them in NOW! Some schools also have a second round of early decision in January.

·         If you are planning to apply for financial aid, fill out and mail the FAFSA and PROFILE forms as soon after January 1^st as possible.

·         If your ED application was deferred, be sure to inform the school of any updates. Reaffirm your commitment to the school in writing.

·         Continue to research and apply for scholarships.

·         Sit back and relax while you wait for the colleges to mail their decisions.

Spring

·         It's your turn to accept or reject. You've gotten into several schools; now you have to decide where you want to enroll.

·         Tell someone in the college counseling office the results of your applications. We need to know what the admission decision was for each school you applied to.

·         Try to visit your top choices one more time. Many schools host accepted students programs. This is great opportunity to see the school and meet the other students who will be your classmates.

·         Notify colleges of your enrollment decision by May 1^st. Let someone in the college counseling office know as well.

·         Take Advanced Placement exams.

·         If you were waitlisted, let the school know whether or not you would like to stay on the waitlist. If you would definitely enroll if taken off the waitlist, inform the college of your commitment in writing. Keep the school updated with any changes or new information but don't be a pest.

·         REMEMBER: Wayland mails final grades to colleges. Admission officers don't look kindly on senior slumps or dropping difficult classes after being accepted. They admitted you based on the classes and grades you had when you applied; their decision is provisional and can be revoked.

·         Enjoy the rest of your senior year and have a great summer!