By: Michael SelkirkApplying to college can be a stressful experience for students and their families. From researching schools and applying, to find ways of reducing the price, gathering the information required for each step is a daunting task. This means that getting all necessary information is crucial to making the process more bearable.
For students who want to experience higher education, Watertown High School Guidance Counselor, Ms. Chunis, has provided the following information needed for applying and attending college: Starting with the basics, is the application itself. Each school has its own way to apply, but many colleges utilize the Common Application, or the Common App. The Common App is a single application that only has to be filled out once and can then be sent to any schools who accept the application, by the deadline for these schools. For those schools that don't use the Common App, their applications can be found on their website. Naviance is a powerful organization, and communication tool for both students and counselors. On the website, students can search for schools that may interest them, save, and learn about such schools. Naviance tells students what application the school utilizes and shares your interest with your counselor. Naviance is also used by your counselor to send transcripts, and other additional application documents required to apply to a school. Be sure to tell your counselor that you have applied to a school after applying so this information can be sent. Additionally, the website gives students access to national scholarships and the ability to request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors. Many schools require at least one letter of recommendation making them vital to the application process. Letters can be written by teachers, coaches, employers and any other individual who knows you well. Its best not to get letters from relatives though, as schools may take this as a biased letter. To get these letters from teachers, speak to them before your application is due. Provide a reasonable amount of time between your request and the due date so they do not feel rushed. As for counselors, a letter of recommendation form that asks for information about yourself, can be retrieved from the guidance office, and returned to your counselor, so they can begin writing your letter. It is also recommended to give your counselor the same amount of time as you would a teacher. Another useful tool for students is College Board. This is the website that many students know for hosting SAT and AP scores. Students must send their official test scores, both the SAT and AP, to their desired schools directly through the College Board. Some schools are “test optional” and do not require these scores, so be sure to check with your desired colleges. Other information that can be found on College Board, are college search tools and deadlines. Finally, it is important for students to understand their options for paying the expenses related to going to college. Many families find the prices attached to schools intimidating and so these tools will help to lighten the load. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a great tool for reducing price. The important thing to know is that the form is free for all students. This means that no matter your household income, it can’t hurt to complete it. Upon completion the forms can be sent to your schools of interest where the information you entered will be used to determine your final expenses. Be sure to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible at www.fafsa.ed.gov because colleges typically want to see the form before their application deadlines. Another way to reduce prices are scholarships, which are available to everyone. Be sure to look out for the Local Scholarship Booklet meeting in Spring, where all local Watertown scholarships will be available. The CCC is a great place to go for students to work on their applications and search for scholarships. Additionally, please go and speak to your counselor in the counseling office with any questions about the process as they can make it feel simple and far less confusing.
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