Senior College Planning Checklist

This information is part of the four-year Bishop Ryan College Prep packet that can be accessed in its entirety at the bottom of this page. For more information on graduation requirements, please visit with Mrs. Mardikian in the guidance office.

• Start the school year with academically challenging classes to prepare you for college expectations.  Consider taking dual credit courses to begin gaining college credit.
• Keep a calendar to help you keep track of college and scholarship applications and deadlines.  Stay organized and up to date with your applications to prevent undue stress.
• Talk to your counselor if you need to retake the ACT.

• Register to take the October ACT or SAT if you have not done so or if you are not satisfied with your results.  Remember that some selective schools often require some of the SAT Subject Tests in addition to the ACT or SAT.  Register for the SAT online at sat.collegeboard.org and for the ACT online at www.actstudent.org.  Each test registration packet comes with a study booklet to help you prepare and improve your scores.
• September 19, 2017-- Futurepalooza at MSU
  • This College and Career Fair runs from 8:00am to noon and will include information in various career fields.
• September 21, 2017—Deadline for Student of Integrity Scholarship.
  • This is given through the Better Business Bureau
  • Ask your counselor if you did not receive this information.
• Clarify your educational goals, needs, and preferences and develop a preliminary list of colleges.  Use resources in the counseling office, library, or on the internet to assist you.
• Schedule any remaining college/campus visits for some time during the fall.
• Reduce your preliminary college list to approximately 3-6 schools.  Most schools have an online application process.  If you have problems completing this or need assistance, see your counselor.  Pay close attention to due dates as well as what you need to submit with your application.
• Update your resume.  Make sure it includes your activities, awards, and community involvement.
• Schedule your senior meeting with your counselor.  There are several things that will be discussed at this meeting: graduation requirements, college, scholarships and grants, and a lot more!

• Decide whom to ask for letters of recommendation, and ask them now.  Be sure to choose people who know you well and can write effectively about your academic and personal qualifications.  When you ask, be sure to provide the person with your resume, any forms they might need, and an addressed/stamped envelope.  Make sure you read all your college applications thoroughly so that you have all the information needed.
• The FAFSA process begins October 1^st.  If you have questions regarding the FAFSA, contact your counselor.
• Mail your applications as early as possible.  Do not wait until the application deadline.  Be sure to make a copy of all your application materials in case they get lost.
• Check for new scholarship opportunities.  You counselor will provide your Pride teachers with new information as it becomes available.

• Read through the application materials of the colleges you are interested in and write your due dates on your calendar.
• If essays are required for your application, develop a rough draft.  Ask your English teacher to proofread your essays and make any changes based on their suggestions and corrections.  Pay special attention to any requests for a “personal statement” as a part of an application.
• Make sure you know which financial aid forms (such as the FAFSA or the PROFILE) your college requires.

• Finalize your application essays.  They must be typed and free of errors.
• Check for additional scholarship opportunities.
• Make sure your FAFSA is completed.

• Double check deadlines.  Some schools have due dates as soon as the first week of January.
• Notify your counselor if you need a copy of your current transcript sent to any schools for a mid-year report.
• Make copies of all forms you submit and keep them organized by school.

• Continue checking for scholarships.  Many local scholarships become available in the spring.

• Listen for announcements for AP testing.  Please ask your AP teacher or counselor if you have questions.

• Most selective schools start to announce their decisions in April.  If you are accepted by more than one of your choices, make your final decision on which school is right for you based on factors that are most important to you.  While others may assist you in this process, the decision is ultimately yours.
• Carefully review financial aid award notices from colleges.  Call financial aid and the admissions office if you have questions.

• As soon as possible after May 1, notify the college of your choice of your decision to attend.  Also notify colleges that have accepted you of your decision not to attend.
• If you have been offered financial aid, be certain to accept the offer as instructed by your award letter.  Remember financial aid must be applied for yearly.
• Remember to notify your counselor of where you will be attending and request that your transcript be sent there.  Official transcripts will be sent out when final grades are recorded.
• BRCS Graduation: May 23, 2018.