Juniors & Families: Navigating the College Application Process

This presentation offers an overview of the college application process, key timelines, and expectations for students and families.

📌 Detailed and official information can always be found on the SHS School Counseling Website and provided handouts.

A Reality Check 💬

The college application process requires:

• Organization
• Follow-through
• Time outside of school

Most students will need parent/guardian support, especially with:

• Managing deadlines (they are firm!)
• Tracking required materials
• Encouragement and accountability
• Making phone calls or following up when needed

The Parent/Guardian Role 🧭

Support looks like:

• Helping students stay on track with deadlines
• Encouraging regular email and portal checks
• Providing time at home to work on applications
• Assisting with decision-making and next steps

​

​

​

Junior Year: Spring Semester Checklist

By the end of junior year, students should:

• Take the SAT and/or ACT at least once
• Begin narrowing a college list:
• 1 first-choice school
• 1 safety school
• 2–3 additional schools of interest
• Visit colleges if possible (Spring Break is a great time!)
• Finish junior year strong — GPA at the end of junior year is used for fall applications

​

Summer Before Senior Year ☀️

Key Tasks

• Create or update a resume
• Activities
• Community service
• Honors/awards
• Work experience
• Goals and meaningful experiences

​

• Begin a scholarship search
• GoingMerry
• Fastweb
• Scholarships.com
• Schedule and attend college visits

​

Summer Organization Tips

Create a personal Gmail account for applications

• ❌ Do NOT use your SHS email

Download a password manager

Create a spreadsheet to track:

• Application type (Common App or direct)
• Deadlines
• Required materials

​

Application Types Explained

• Early Decision – Binding ❗
• Early Action – Early, non-binding
• Regular Decision – Standard deadline

Always double-check deadlines and requirements on each college’s website.

​

The Common Application 📝

• Used by many colleges and universities
• One application submitted to multiple schools
• Includes:
• Activities and honors
• Personal essay (usually available August 1)

💡 Tip: Draft your essay over the summer to reduce fall stress.

​

Fall of Senior Year: Counselor Support

Counselors will:

• Visit senior English classes
• Provide initial transcripts
• Explain the application process
• Demonstrate Naviance
• Share scholarship and resource information

Each student will also have an individual meeting with their counselor.

​

College Applications: What’s Included

Most applications require:

• Application form
• Essay(s)
• Transcripts (SHS & VWCC if applicable)
• Counselor reports
• Test scores (if required)
• Letters of recommendation (if required)
• FAFSA

​

Letters of Recommendation ✉️

• Not required by all schools
• Ask teachers in person at least 1 week before the deadline
• Provide a resume to the teacher
• Submit requests through Naviance
• Follow up respectfully to confirm submission

​

Recommended Application Timeline

• By Halloween: First-choice school
• By Thanksgiving: Second-choice school
• By December 1: All remaining schools

⚠️ Do NOT request letters of recommendation right before Winter Break. ⚠️ Watch closely for January 1 deadlines.

​

After You Apply 📬

• Check email daily (including spam)
• Create and monitor college portals
• Complete additional requirements (STARS, CSS Profile, etc.)
• Request midyear transcript in Naviance (January)
• Apply for college-specific scholarships
• Notify your chosen college by the deadline

​

Scholarships: Keep Applying 💰

• Check Naviance weekly
• Review the Counseling webpage
• Use scholarship search engines
• Check with:
• Banks
• Civic organizations
• Employers
• Family connections

University-specific scholarships are a major reason to keep applications manageable.

​

VWCC Scholarships 🎓

CCAP (Community College Access Program)

• Covers two years of tuition
• Eligibility includes:
• GPA requirements
• Deadline compliance
• Full-time SHS enrollment
• City of Salem residency (with some exceptions)

⚠️ Biggest issue: Missed deadlines ⚠️ Not guaranteed

Additional VWCC grants and scholarships are available.

​

​

Helpful Resources

​

• College representatives at SHS (sign up in Naviance)
• College Fair
• SAT prep through Khan Academy
• SHS Counseling Website – Senior Tab
• FAFSA Help Sessions
• College & Career Counselors, Upward Bound Program

​

Big Takeaways ⭐

• Start early and stay organized
• Deadlines are strict
• Double-check everything
• Monitor email and portals consistently
• Transcripts must be requested three times in Naviance
• Ask for help when needed

📌 Important: Male students must register for Selective Service to avoid college enrollment issues.

​

May of Senior Year 🎉

​

​

• Indicate college choice in Naviance
• Request final transcripts (SHS & VWCC if applicable)
• Attend orientation (often in July)
• Stay in touch with counselors

#ForeverSpartans

​