Timelines if Planning for 4 year Colleges 11th GRADE: 1st Semester Continue your involvement in extra-curricular activities Sign up through Naviance to attend specific college presentations at WDHS. Students can attend 3 presentations a year. Over 40 colleges presented at WDHS this year! Attend College Fair at RCGC in October Take PSAT in October; scores are available in December; please review results in December to identify strengths & weaknesses Decide on your testing plan and register!!!! Parents of students with documented limitations in testing situations (IEP/504) must contact their child’s case manager months before testing IF they want to apply for testing accommodations through testing agency. Parents must initiate this process.

11th GRADE: 1st Semester Participate in college planning/Naviance workshops (held during the school day in December) Identify what factors are important to you and your child in a college: Type: 2 year community college OR 4 year college Size Location Living on Campus or Commuting Major Selectivity (handout in folder) Cost Develop a list of 8-10 colleges to further explore

11th GRADE: 2nd Semester Use Naviance to continue your college research! Visit colleges over spring break or during the many Open House dates in March, April and May VISITS ARE ESSENTIAL BUT OFTEN SKIPPED in the College Selection Process 

SUMMER Continue to Visit, visit, visit!! Finalize list of schools Start on essays Update Activity Resume Review for SATs / ACTs if you plan to take them again Work, participate in community service, or enroll in an enriching summer program Student Athletes are responsible for their eligibility! (www.eligibilitycenter.org) NCAA Clearinghouse (Division I and II) File online, end of junior / beginning of senior year Reference Sheet in folder – shows requirements

12th GRADE: Fall Take the SAT and/or ACT (for the FINAL NOT FIRST Time!) Send scores to colleges where student is applying (WDHS does not send them on transcript) Use Naviance to sign up for College Presentations at WDHS Request Letters of Recommendation 2 teachers; can also ask your counselor Must use Letter of Rec. Request Form found in Naviance Attend College Fair at RCGC (Oct.) if still finalizing list

12th GRADE (Fall cont’d) Finish Application Essays (have a teacher review) Turn in transcript release form to counselor. Complete applications (usually online) Change application status in Naviance to notify your counselor where you have applied Counselor will then prepare and submit your transcript package which includes: Official high school transcript (includes GPA & rank) Senior Year schedule School Profile Form Letters of rec

12th GRADE (cont’d) Fee waivers for application fees may be available for economically disadvantaged families (ask your counselor). Pay attention to Deadlines- Many Priority Deadlines are November 1st (ex. Rutgers) Review Scholarship Listings on Naviance and apply! Keep your counselor informed! Ask for help when needed!

OTHER TIPS! Use the Common Application, if possible- over 700 schools (commonapp.org) Be advised some schools require Common App Supplements as well! Keep a record of all usernames and passwords (for test registrations, applications, etc.)

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Performing Arts majors – may have audition requirements Fine Art majors – may have portfolio requirements Extenuating Circumstances- i.e. extended illness/injury, change within the family (death, divorce)- explaining a change in grades.

OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS Know the different types of applications: Early Decision vs Early Action Rolling Admissions vs. Definite Deadlines Priority vs. Regular “TEST SCORE OPTIONAL” - Some schools do not require SAT / ACT scores – but be aware of specific criteria (fairtest.org) Rutgers requires SRAR (Self Report Academic Record). Transcripts not accepted.

12th GRADE: Winter Keep grades up! Mid-year transcripts will be submitted to colleges and are crucial! Complete Financial Aid paperwork (FAFSA available after October 1st!) Continue to Review Scholarship listings on Naviance and apply!

12th GRADE: Spring Review Acceptance Offers Keep copies of scholarship award letters so we can recognize your achievements at graduation Compare Financial Aid Packages Make Final Decision Submit Deposit by May 1st Take AP Tests