Tips All High School Years

  • CHALLENGE YOURSELF. Take the most difficult courses your high school has to offer. A "B" in an honors course is better than an "A" in a regular course.

  • FIND A PASSION.
    Get involved in your high school and community - work, volunteer, travel, participate.

  • READ.
    There is no substitute in terms of learning how to communicate and to think at a high level. It will enhance your writing and your vocabulary - both invaluable assets in life.

 

 


Forbes Educational Consulting Planning

"There is no best college, only the best fit. First decide what schools you want. Then decide how to get them to want you."

"2/3 of all high school graduates now go on to college. Given that high school enrollment is projected to increase, seniors will continue to face increased competition in college admissions."

College Selection Time Table

Junior Year

  • June-July
    Take SAT II subject tests in courses you just completed.

    Do something this summer that will build upon one of your passions: take a course, do an internship, volunteer.

  • August-September
    Read college literature, guide books and directories. Talk to recent alums to form ideas about the "college of your choice."

    Visit college campuses now that schools are back in session.

  • October
    Find out at your high school guidance office when college     representatives are visiting your school. Attend the meetings. What characteristics in a college appeal to you? Begin to make a list.

    Take the PSAT given by your high school

  • November-January
    Attend college fairs and college sponsored presentations held in the community.

  • February-April
    Visit colleges over spring vacation if convenient. Organized tours, arranged by a phone call to the Admissions Office, are strongly suggested; interviews are optional. What appeals to you as you visit schools?

  • May-June
    Find out dates the SAT and ACT are administered. Register for tests at least six weeks beforehand. May is the most popular month for the SAT; June for the ACT. Take the SAT II subject tests following your class in that subject.

  • Summer
    Do something meaningful. Consider enrichment programs at home or away, community service, jobs, internships, educational travel.

    Send for catalogues and begin to plan college visits and interviews. We will prepare you for visits and will conduct mock-interviews before you go.

    Begin service academy application process.

    Athletes-apply for NCAA clearinghouse registration at your school.

    Finalize college list. Apply to 2-3 "reach" schools, 3-4 "middle" schools, and 3 "safer" schools.

    Write college essays

Senior Year

  • September
    Finalize applications.

    Visit colleges throughout the fall to confirm your final list.

  • October-November
    Register for October/November SAT I and II and/or ACT

    Early Decision candidates - approach your teachers for recommendations.

    Apply to out-of-state state universities (California during November)

  • December
    Register for December SAT I or II

    Register for the Financial Aid PROFILE

    Request letters of recommendation from teachers.

    Inform guidance office of final list so they may send transcripts and materials.

  • January
    Triple check all deadlines for applications.

    Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available in the guidance office.

    Early Decision results mailed by colleges

  • February-March
    Take a vacation if all applications have been mailed.

    Write thank you notes to guidance counselor and teachers who wrote recommendations for you.

  • April
    Watch mail-box closely for arrival of fat or thin envelopes.

    Visit or re-visit colleges under serious consideration if in doubt about the right match.

  • May
    Notify all relevant colleges of your final decision (usually required by May 1).

    Take AP test if appropriate.

CELEBRATE!!!!!!!!

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Forbes Educational Consulting
Portsmouth, NH
603.430.3711
aforbes@forbesedconsulting.com

 

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