StepsTowardCollegeSelection

 

STEPS IN THE COLLEGE SELECTION PROCESS

 

Step 1:  Research (Junior Year)

  • Meet with your counselor to complete an initial college search and obtain information to kick-start the process.
  • Utilize online college searches, such as Naviance and www.collegeboard.com to help develop your list of schools.
  • Develop a balanced list of reach, target, and safety schools, considering both academics, as well as cost of the school.
  • Attend college fairs, such as College Day for juniors (spring) and College Night @ Sachem East (fall).
  • Visit college campuses.
  • Potential Division I & II athletes, be sure to see your counselor about NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.
  • Potential Military Academy applicants, discuss these plans with your counselor.
  • Check the guidance web site for important information.  

 

Step 2:  Testing (Spring of Junior Year / Fall of Senior Year)

  • Register for the SAT I Reasoning Test (check deadlines).
  • Register for the ACT (check deadlines).
  • Register for SAT II Subject Tests if needed.  (Check web sites of the colleges you are interested in to see if required/which tests to take.)
  • Avoid late registration fees by applying on time.
  • Enroll in SAT/ACT prep courses available through Sachem.
  • Important web sites:

 

Step 3:  Application (Fall of Senior Year)

  • Obtain and carefully complete all college applications.  Note: most applications are available to be completed online or can be printed from the college web site. 
  • Complete applications early.  Be aware of deadlines.  Don’t procrastinate!
  • Request your transcript, SAT/ACT scores, and other supporting materials to be mailed by the guidance office to the colleges to which you are applying.
  • Obtain teacher letters of recommendation.
  • Request mid-year grades to be mailed to those colleges that require them.

 

Step 4:  Financial Aid (Senior Year)

  • Check early to see if colleges require the CSS profile.
  • Attend Sachem’s Financial Aid Information Night for senior parents (in the fall).
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online (www.fafsa.ed.gov) or by mail in January of the senior year.
  • Check the Guidance Department’s Scholarship Newsletter for possible scholarship opportunities.

 

Step 5:  Decision (Spring of Senior Year)

  • Inform your counselor of your final decision.
  • Submit copies of all college acceptance letters and scholarship awards to your counselor.
  • Complete the Senior Survey with your counselor.
  • Request your final transcript to be sent to the college you choose to attend.