Halloween is also a scary deadline for high school seniors who have to apply for colleges. Many colleges declare November 1 as the application deadline and the seniors are juggling with college applications and essays. Seniors are also figuring out where to go and how to pay. FAFSA, financial aid, and scholarship applications are also due at this time. Completing the application process while managing senior year and other activities is definitely a challenge for high school seniors.

Common App

Every student uses their individual style of completing applications and essays. Filing FAFSA, financial aid, and scholarships is another aspect of college admissions. Some colleges may waive application fees based on a student’s score. Common App is a platform for the students where they can create a profile and submit applications to many colleges. Payment options are available through the Common App. Applying to as many colleges as possible is suggested, as the colleges are highly selective. Each student’s individual preferences also might be different and in order to meet those, students need to keep their options open.

Scores

Students need to submit their high school courses, interests, sports, activities at school and outside of school, and all other details in the Common App. Some colleges provide an essay topic and the students are required to write the essay before they can submit the application. Other colleges that are not in the Common App, have respective websites to file the applications. Having the ACT, SAT, GPA, Toefl, AP Scores, College credits (if any), and other information ready will help in the application process. Putting all the details will help the colleges get a fair idea about the student.

FAFSA

A FAFSA ID is needed for both the students and parents so the colleges can get financial information. Students who cannot file the FAFSA can fill out an alternate form if any provided by the colleges. Parents who cannot file FAFSA can fill out a paper form. Students are encouraged to apply for FAFSA even though they are not eligible to get any aid. Colleges use the FAFSA ID to determine the financial aid a student can get. Based on the Federal-aid, state aid, and college aids, students can get an idea of how much more they need to pay from other sources such as work-pay, parental support, or loans. Once they receive the admission letter, students can create an account on the college websites and get an estimate of how much their tuition and dorm charges are going to be.

Scholarships

Applying to different scholarships is also crucial for the student. Regardless of their financial status, students are encouraged to apply so that they are left with fewer loans by the time they graduate. Again, scholarships need essays! and other criteria. STEM courses have special scholarships that the students must apply. Requesting recommendation letters and getting them ready is also crucial as colleges and scholarships are asking for them.

Senioritis

Seniors are often tired and get lazy in the senior year resulting in ‘Senioritis’. Students must be mindful that senior year is the basis for their future and planning ahead will help them save time and money. It is overwhelming for the students to catch up with the courses, sports, activities, college applications, and all. Students can get the help of teachers, counselors, parents, friends, and mentors to reduce stress. The applications and scholarships do have a deadline and timelines are important. Good luck to all the seniors in their college application process!