Get Ready for College Applications
Senior Year Timeline, Info, and Help Links
College Applications
Most applications are called "Regular Decision" You are applying to see if the college will accept you. There are a few categories that will put you ahead of the pile if you want to apply earlier to show interest.
Early Action = exactly what it sounds like. Acting early to get your application in before the first deadline possible. A small advantage with no negative ramifications
Early DECISION = This one is tricky. The deadline is usually sooner or the same as Regular Decision but it is legally binding. If you apply Early Decision you are telling the college that you are COMMITTING (legally) to attend the school if you are accepted. This can give you an advantage by applying this way but it is high-stakes; you are legally obligated to go if accepted!
What should I be doing now?
Financial aid applicaitons such as FAFSA and Bright Futures, etc. won't open until October 1st so use this time to complete your college applications.
STEP 1: How to apply?
Some schools have their own application on their website.
Most schools also use a shared application system. The most common are The Common Application or The Coalition for College Application
COMMON QUESTION / MYTH
No matter how many DE credits or tech programs you have completed you are applying as a FRESHMAN or FIRST TIME IN COLLEGE student. Colleges want you to do the entire application process as a High School Senior so even if you are completing your entire AA by graduation, you are still applying as a Freshman. They will adjust your credits/title upon reviewing your documents and admitting you.
STEP 2: Organize your items
Do your research and determine how each college/university wants your items. Some schools require certain letters of recommendation, some don't want any. Some have specific essay prompts, some are open ended. Create a tracker or checklist to keep track of items needed, specifications for each college, and deadlines.
XELLO FOR COLLEGE APPS:
High School Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation, Common App School Reports, Counselor Recommendations are ALL requested through your Xello account. Through your Classlink login to Xello and navigate to the College Planning area. You will see a College Application list. Add the schools you are applying to and add tasks to complete. This area is used as a TRACKER or CHECKLIST for you to track the completion of your applications. This is also how you will complete Letters of Recommendation (LOR) requests, Transcript, requests, and Common App form requests. See the below linked video/article for help or visit Mrs. Crotty.
XELLO Requests How Tos:
Requesting a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
Requesting Common App documents from your counselor
For requesting Letters of Recommendation that will shine use the below BRAG SHEET to give to the recommender!
Helpful Handouts
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship Search
Search for specific topics / categories
-Left handed scholarships
-For students wanting to be a nurse
-For students active in ocean conservation, etc.
The more specific, the more likely that there's a smaller amount of students applying = better chance to win!
FAFSA Help
Upcoming Dates: all 10 AM - 1 PM openings.
October 13th
November 10th
December 15th
Bright Futures Evaluations
GPA 3.0-3.5 weighted (only certain classes included)
Test Scores
- SAT- 1210 or 1330
- ACT- 25 or 29
- Information about qualifying for testing waivers- CLICK HERE
Community Service Hours - 75-100 minimum, paperwork required
Paperwork includes 1. Proposal completed BEFORE completing hours, 2. Hours Log with supervisor signatures, 3. Reflection page completed by student
See Mrs. Crotty for details.
Mrs. Crotty
Email: morgana.crotty@osceolaschools.net
Website: osceolaschools.net/path
Location: 501 Simpson Road, Kissimmee, FL, USA
Phone: 4075185407