Monday, 12 May 2014

College Application Process Milestones (Juniors Applying in USA or UK)

If you are a JUNIOR at AISC, it is time to get busy thinking about and planning for your college application process. Students who are planning to apply to colleges or universities in the USA and/or the UK, should take a look at the following milestones for guidance:


College Application Process Milestones
(For Students applying to College/University in USA and/or UK)

May
·       Research Colleges!
·       Begin thinking about teacher recommendations
·       SAT administration May 3rd

June/July
·       Research Colleges: Begin narrowing down a list of schools that you are interested in
·       (U.S.A.) Check out the Common Application Essay Prompts: begin writing drafts of essay
·       (U.K.) Check out UCAS website for information on Personal Statement: begin writing drafts
August                                     
·       Register for SAT/ACT (if you need to take SAT Subject Tests, register!)
·       Register for TOEFL if necessary
·       Senior Meeting with Counselor
o   Short list of universities
o   Fill out application deadline form
o   Credit Check to make sure all graduation credits are being met
·       Continue work on Essay/Personal Statement
·       Visit with college reps who come to AISC
·       Request official transcripts from previous High Schools ( if applicable )
·       Continue researching colleges
·       Organize your application plan
September         
·       Work on applications.  Make a list of all required portions and deadlines
·       Request recommendations from teachers (use blue request form)
·       Complete UCAS Oxbridge, UK Med/Vet applications (if applicable)
·       Complete ED/EA applications (if applicable)
·       Visit with college reps who come to AISC              
·       Register for SAT/ACT
·       Continue work on Essay/Personal Statement
·       Finalize list of schools (Reach, Realistic, Safety)
October                
·       “Request for Supporting Documents” Forms due to Counseling Office for any ED/EA applications (Due by 10/1)
·       Ask your English teacher to review your essay draft; finalize essay/personal statement
·       Visit with college reps who come to AISC
·       Send SAT/ACT/TOEFL scores to colleges you are applying to
·       College Applications (check due dates!) (Early Action, Early Decision)
·       Register for SAT/ACT if necessary
·       CSS Profile (for financial aid/scholarships) if any of your schools require (CSS Profile opens on 10/1)
November
·       “Request for Supporting Documents” Forms due to Counseling Office for deadlines before 15 Feb.   (Due 11/15)
·       College Applications (check due dates!)
·       (UCalifornia applications due this month)
·       Register for SAT/ACT if necessary
December           
·       College Applications (check due dates!)                                 
January                                    
·       College Applications (check due dates!)
·       FAFSA completed if applicable (FAFSA opens 1/1)
·       January 15 Application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for all courses except those listed above with a 15 October deadline, and art and design courses with a 24 March deadline
·       Check your email to follow-up on any missing pieces for college applications
February               
·       University decisions begin to arrive
·       Check your email to follow-up on any missing pieces for college applications
March                    
·       University decisions begin to arrive
·       Application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for art and design courses except those listed with a 15 January deadline
·       UCAS decisions for those applications in by 15 January

April                        
·       University decisions continue to arrive
·       Communicate with Counselor about your accept/deny/waitlist status
May                         
·       Deadline to respond to US university offers to reserve slot (May 1)
·       UCAS decisions for those applications in by 15 January
·       Confirm your final decision with your Counselor
·       Submit “Request for Final Transcript” form to be sent to the college you plan to attend
·       GRADUATION!  Enjoy planning for your first semester at university