Step 1: Self-Assessment and Research

Identify Interests and Goals:
- Reflect on your academic strengths, career interests, and personal preferences.
Research Colleges:
- Use online tools (e.g., College Board, Naviance) to explore colleges that match your goals and interests.
- Make a list of “reach,” “match,” and “safety” schools.
Understand Requirements:
- Check each college’s application requirements, deadlines, and required documents.

Step 2: Create a Timeline

Set Deadlines:
- Create a calendar with important dates (application deadlines, SAT/ACT test dates, FAFSA submission).
Outline Key Tasks:
- List out necessary tasks, such as gathering recommendation letters, preparing your essay, and completing financial aid forms.
Sign Up for Standardized Tests (if required):
- Register for the SAT or ACT early enough to allow time for retakes if desired.

Step 3: Gather Materials

Transcripts:
- Request an official transcript from your school, which is typically sent directly to colleges by your high school.
Recommendation Letters:
- Identify teachers, counselors, or other mentors who can write strong recommendations.
- Give them at least 4–6 weeks’ notice and provide them with any specific forms or instructions.
Standardized Test Scores:
- Send your SAT or ACT scores to the colleges that require them.

Step 4: Prepare Your Application

Create an Account on Application Platforms:
- Use the Common Application, Coalition Application, or individual college applications as required.
- Common App
- Coalition for College
Fill Out Basic Information:
- Complete personal information, high school details, activities, and awards sections accurately.
Draft Your Personal Statement/Essay:
- Write a thoughtful and authentic essay that reflects who you are.
- Seek feedback from teachers or mentors and revise as needed.
Prepare Supplemental Essays (if required):
- Some colleges require additional short-answer or essay questions. Be sure to address each prompt specifically.
List Your Extracurricular Activities:
- Describe your involvement in activities, work experience, volunteering, etc.

Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA:
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal financial aid.
- Student AID
Complete the CSS Profile (if required):
- Some colleges also require the CSS Profile for institutional aid.
- CSS Profile
Research and Apply for Scholarships:
- Look into local, national, and school-specific scholarships. Keep track of deadlines and required materials.

Step 6: Review and Submit Applications

Review All Information:
- Double-check for accuracy and completeness before submitting each application.
Pay Application Fees:
- Submit payment or request fee waivers if eligible.
Submit the Application:
- Confirm that each component (application, transcripts, test scores, recommendations) has been received by the college.
Save Copies:
- Save PDF copies of submitted applications and any confirmation emails.

Step 7: Follow Up and Monitor Applications

Check Application Status:
- Log in to each college’s application portal to ensure all materials have been received.
Send Additional Information if Requested:
- Some colleges may request additional documents (like mid-year grades).
Prepare for Interviews (if required):
- Practice common interview questions and research the school beforehand.

Step 8: Await Decisions and Make a Decision

Receive Admission Decisions:
- Colleges will notify you of their decisions by the posted dates.
Compare Financial Aid Offers:
- Review and compare financial aid packages carefully.
Visit or Revisit Colleges (if possible):
- Attend admitted student days or revisit campuses to help with your decision.
Make a Final Decision:
- Accept your offer by the college’s deadline (usually May 1) and submit any required deposit.

Step 9: Complete Post-Decision Requirements

Submit Final Transcript:
- Request your high school to send a final transcript to the college you’ll attend.
Complete Housing and Orientation Forms:
- Follow through on housing applications, orientation registration, and other onboarding steps.
Thank Your Support System:
- Thank your recommenders, counselors, and anyone else who helped in your application process.

Holy Spirit High School

College and Career Planning