1. What to keep in mind to “enjoy” this challenging year!
Senior Year
What to keep in mind to “enjoy” this challenging year!

2. Agenda Post High School Planning Resources
Developing a Well Balanced List
Admissions Plans
Standardized Testing
Application Process
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Questions & Answers

3. Post High School Planning Resources
Guidance Counselors
We are currently conducting senior group and individual meetings
Online programs (see handout)
Naviance (
Visits & Tours – Always schedule in advance!
Open Houses, Tours, Interviews
College Representative Visits
Students can sign up to meet with college reps in guidance
Calendar and registration is available via Naviance
College Application Checklist (see handout)

4. A Well Balanced List
Must include schools that vary in selectivity and meet personal criteria. The majority of schools should be in the realistic range
Students must be happy with EVERY school on the list, including safety schools. They should not apply to schools they are not interested in attending
A Safety school is a college that you will almost certainly be accepted at because your test scores and grades are well above average in comparison to the school's profile
A Realistic school is a college in which you have a good chance of acceptance because your grades and test scores fall into the middle range of accepted students
A Reach school is a college in which chances of admission are unlikely but sometimes possible. Your grades and test scores are lower than the middle 50% of accepted students

5. Be sure to check each school for any ED/EA plan restrictions
Admissions Plans (1 of 2)
Early Decision is binding
If accepted under this plan, you must withdraw other applications and attend unless financial need is not met
With ED, there may be a slight admissions advantage if you meet the typical admissions criteria for that school
Early Action candidates apply early and if admitted have until May 1 to reply
Tends to be more competitive as there is no obligation to attend
May be viewed by schools as a favorable indication of interest
Students may be accepted, denied, or deferred into the regular admissions pool
Be sure to check each school
for any ED/EA plan restrictions

6. The Candidate Response Date for all schools is May 1, 2018
Admissions Plans (2 of 2)
With Rolling Applications, submit your applications early
Colleges are making enrollment decisions as they receive applications. Submitting early may increase your chances of admission
Regular Decision is the standard application procedure in which students apply by the regular deadline and receive a response prior to May 1st
The Candidate Response Date for all schools is May 1, 2018

7. Standardized Testing (1 of 2)
SAT Reasoning/Subject Test Dates
October 7th (late registration ends September 27th)
November 4th
December 2nd
SAT Subject Tests
Take if required by colleges of interest (typically required by highly competitive schools)
Each test is one hour, if required two are typically needed (very few require three)
Check requirements with individual colleges
A list of test optional schools is available at

8. Standardized Testing (2 of 2)
ACT
Can replace or supplement the SAT Reasoning test at almost every college
When taken with the optional writing section may sometimes replace the Subject Tests
Offered on October 28th and December 9th
If your child takes both the ACT and SAT, consult with guidance regarding which test results to send
Always check each school’s specific testing requirements

9. The Application Process (1 of 2)
What does the student send?
Application and fee
Essay and any required supplements
Official SAT and/or ACT scores (via the testing website)
We recommend students do not self-report test scores via the common application

10. The Application Process (2 of 2)
What does guidance send?
Transcript (must be formally requested by the student via Naviance for each school at least two weeks prior to deadline)
Secondary School Report Form
School Profile
Counselor and Teacher Recommendations
Mid-year and Final grades
Students are responsible for checking with each school to confirm their file is complete

11. Naviance
All documentation sent from guidance is transmitted electronically to the colleges
There are few colleges that require hard copies
Students are required to request transcripts and teacher recommendations via Naviance
Instructions were presented this week and are also available on the college application checklist (handout)

12. Financial Aid & Scholarships
FAFSA
CSS Profile
Cohasset Community Scholarships
Regional Scholarships
State Scholarships
Stanley Koplik/John & Abigail Adams

13. FAFSA - Updates The FAFSA is available on October 1st
You are required to report financial information from last year
Some families’ income may have changed after the 2016 tax year. If this is the case for you, you must complete the FAFSA with the info it requires and after filing, contact the financial aid office at each school to explain your situation. They have the ability assess your situation and make adjustments to your application.

14. We are here to support you!
Final Thoughts
Parent Information Form (optional)
Available through Naviance and the guidance website
Apply early, well before deadlines
May 1st is decision day
Students interested in other postsecondary options should see their guidance counselor as well
Question & Answer
We are here to support you!