COLLEGE PREP TASKS FOR GRADE 12
During their senior year, students should intensify their focus on college applications by staying organized, adhering to deadlines, and seeking support from their school's College and Career Center and guidance counselors. It is crucial to create a comprehensive checklist of application requirements and deadlines for each college of interest. Students should gather necessary documents, such as transcripts and test scores, well in advance. They should also take the time to carefully craft their personal statements and supplemental essays, seeking feedback and revisions from teachers, mentors, and counselors. Engaging with the College and Career Center at BLA and utilizing the expertise of guidance counselors is vital as they can provide invaluable guidance on college selection, application strategies, and scholarship opportunities. Counselors can offer personalized advice, review application materials, and provide insights on how to effectively present students' unique qualities and achievements to colleges.
Additionally, seniors should take advantage of the resources available at the College and Career Center, such as workshops and informational sessions on financial aid, scholarships, and college visits. This can help students navigate the complexities of the application process, including understanding different admission options like early decision, early action, and regular decision. Students should make it a priority to schedule one-on-one meetings with their guidance counselors to discuss their college plans, review application materials, and seek advice on college interviews and recommendation letters. By proactively engaging with the College and Career Center and their guidance counselors, seniors can receive the necessary support, gain confidence, and ensure that their college applications present them in the best possible light to prospective colleges and universities.
Additionally, seniors should take advantage of the resources available at the College and Career Center, such as workshops and informational sessions on financial aid, scholarships, and college visits. This can help students navigate the complexities of the application process, including understanding different admission options like early decision, early action, and regular decision. Students should make it a priority to schedule one-on-one meetings with their guidance counselors to discuss their college plans, review application materials, and seek advice on college interviews and recommendation letters. By proactively engaging with the College and Career Center and their guidance counselors, seniors can receive the necessary support, gain confidence, and ensure that their college applications present them in the best possible light to prospective colleges and universities.
Take Challenging ClassesVertical Divider
Work with your guidance counselor to enroll in classes and build a schedule that is right for you!
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Colleges consider the rigor of a student's coursework during the application review process as it provides insight into their academic preparedness, resilience, and willingness to challenge themselves, making it an important factor in assessing an applicant's potential for success at the college level.
11th graders should continue to take challenging classes, building on their 9th grade coursework, to prepare for college applications because it demonstrates their academic rigor, ability to handle advanced coursework, and intellectual curiosity to admissions officers. In addition to academic achievement, colleges are looking for improvement in grades and an upward trajectory throughout high school, as it demonstrates a student's growth, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence. |
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Pursuing (or continuing to pursue) leadership opportunities in extracurricular activities is highly beneficial for college applications as it showcases a student's ability to take initiative, inspire others, and make a positive impact within their chosen pursuits. Holding leadership positions, such as club president, team captain, student council representative, team leader, and more demonstrates qualities of responsibility, collaboration, and effective decision-making, which are valued by colleges. Furthermore, these experiences allow students to demonstrate their ability to lead, organize events, and drive meaningful change, highlighting their potential as future contributors and leaders within the college community. Engaging in such leadership roles during 11th grade provides a track record of leadership experience that can set applicants apart and make their college applications stand out.
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Pursue Leadership Opportunities in your ExtracurricularsVertical Divider
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Terms 1-2 Tasks
Practice for and Take the SAT (October)Vertical Divider
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Seniors at BLA will - in school - take the SAT in the Fall (October)
The SAT is an important exam to take as it is widely accepted by colleges and universities as a measure of a student's readiness for college-level academics. Strong SAT scores can enhance a student's college application, demonstrating their intellectual abilities and potential for success in higher education. Furthermore, with many schools adopting a test-optional policy, the significance of SAT scores has reduced, alleviating some of the stress associated with the exam and allowing students to focus on other aspects of their application, such as their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays. |
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Determining the application cycle, whether it be Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision, is important for students as it significantly impacts their college application timeline. Applying Early Decision involves committing to a specific institution and submitting the application earlier, usually in November. Early Action allows for early submission without the binding commitment. Regular Decision has a later deadline, typically in January or February. Understanding the different cycles enables students to plan accordingly, ensuring they have ample time to complete their applications, gather necessary materials, and meet deadlines. It also allows for strategic decision-making, as applying early can offer certain advantages, such as higher acceptance rates or early access to financial aid packages, while Regular Decision provides more time for exploring options and considering multiple offers as well as more time to complete applications.
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Decide When You are Going to ApplyVertical Divider
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Finalize Application Materials |
Preparing for college applications requires students to gather several essential materials. These typically include official high school transcripts, standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors, a well-crafted personal statement or essay, a list of extracurricular activities and achievements, and any supplementary materials requested by specific colleges, such as portfolios or writing samples. It is important for students to start early, stay organized, and ensure that they have all the necessary documents ready to submit before the application deadlines.
Guidance and College Counselors will submit Rec. Letters, transcripts, and school profiles to colleges through Naviance on behalf of students. |
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All seniors, if eligible, should apply for financial aid along with their college applications to ensure they have access to the financial resources needed for their higher education journey. Applying for financial aid allows students and their families to receive assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities, making college more affordable and reducing the burden of tuition costs. It is essential to explore and take advantage of all available financial aid opportunities to make informed decisions and create a viable financial plan for college.
All students will complete the FAFSA and some will additionally be required to complete the CSS Profile The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a form that students and their families must complete to apply for federal financial aid for college. It collects information about a student's family income, assets, and household size to determine their eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. The FAFSA is a critical component in accessing various forms of financial assistance, including federal grants, state grants, institutional aid, and some scholarships, making it an essential step in the college financial aid process. The CSS Profile is an additional financial aid application required by certain colleges and universities to assess a student's eligibility for non-federal financial aid. Unlike the FAFSA, which focuses on federal aid, the CSS Profile gathers more comprehensive financial information, including assets, home equity, and noncustodial parent finances. It is used by some private institutions to determine the distribution of their institutional funds and scholarships, providing a more detailed analysis of a student's financial need beyond what the FAFSA covers. |
Complete and Submit Financial Aid Applications |
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Twelfth graders should actively apply to scholarships during their senior year to maximize their financial aid opportunities for college. Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of tuition and other educational expenses. By dedicating time to search for and apply to scholarships, students can potentially secure funds that do not need to be repaid, allowing them to focus on their studies without the added stress of financial constraints. Applying to scholarships also provides valuable experience in writing essays, gathering recommendation letters, and honing application skills, which can be beneficial for future endeavors such as internships, graduate school, or career opportunities.
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Attend BLA Senior Advisory (Term 1)
BLA offers a senior advisory class specifically designed for twelfth graders, providing comprehensive support throughout the college application process. This class serves as a valuable resource for seniors, guiding them through each step of the application journey. Students have dedicated time during the class to work on their applications, ensuring they stay organized and meet deadlines. The senior advisory class also offers personalized assistance from experienced counselors ]who help seniors with college planning, essay writing, financial aid applications, and selecting the right colleges for their goals and aspirations. This structured and supportive environment empowers BLA seniors to navigate the complex college application process with confidence and receive the guidance necessary to make informed decisions about their postsecondary education.
Terms 3-4 Tasks
Finish Strong!Vertical Divider
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It is crucial for seniors to finish strong and maintain their grades through the end of the school year because colleges receive and review their final transcripts. Colleges take into account a student's academic performance in their senior year, and a decline in grades can potentially impact admissions decisions or scholarship offers.
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Each college will provide a link for students to monitor their applications. After submitting college applications, it is vital for students to regularly check their applicant portals to ensure that all materials have been successfully submitted and to track the progress of their applications. Applicant portals provide a centralized platform where students can monitor the status of their application, view received documents, and stay updated on any additional requirements or requests from the colleges. By regularly checking these portals, students can proactively address any missing materials or issues that may arise, ensuring that their application remains complete and on track. Additionally, applicant portals often provide important updates, such as interview invitations or admission decisions, keeping students informed and engaged in the application process. Regularly monitoring applicant portals demonstrates responsibility and commitment to the colleges, allowing students to stay organized, address any concerns promptly, and make informed decisions as they navigate the college admissions process.
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Keep an Eye on Applicant Portals and Submit and Missing Application MaterialsVertical Divider
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Review Financial Aid DecisionsVertical Divider
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As seniors make their college decisions, it is crucial for them to review their financial aid offers carefully. By assessing the details of each financial aid package, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities, students can better understand the affordability of their college choices. It is highly recommended for seniors to schedule meetings with their guidance and college counselors to review and discuss these offers. Counselors can provide valuable insight and help navigate the complexities of financial aid, ensuring they make informed decisions that align with their financial circumstances and long-term goals. Meeting with counselors allows seniors to clarify any doubts, ask relevant questions, and gain a comprehensive understanding of their financial aid options, empowering them to make choices that best support their academic and financial interests.
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