College Planning
for the Class of 2027
College Planning for Seniors
Today's Agenda
Research
Process
Application & Aid
Testing
Financial Aid
The College List!
List Composition
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Your list should include:
Counselor Guidance
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Your counselor can help you determine school categories based on your GPA, Transcript Rigor, SAT/ACT, and Extracurriculars.
Scattergrams in SchooLinks are also available to help analyze and identify where you stand.
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CRITICAL REQUIREMENT
Remember! You must keep your final list of colleges accurate in Schoolinks, as this is the only way your teachers and counselors will submit your application documents!
College Research & Planning
College Search Resources
Visits & Interviews
Make the most of your prospective college visits:
Campus Tours
Go on a guided tour to get a feel for the campus layout and student life.
Information Sessions
Attend presentations to learn about academic programs and admissions details.
Representative Visits
Connect with reps in the WRHS Counseling office. Register ahead via SchooLinks.
Admissions Interviews
If recommended, set up a personal interview
Public vs. Private Schools
Public Universities
Partially supported by state tax dollars and are generally less expensive to attend.
Private Universities
Receive no tax monies, are supported by tuition dollars and are generally more expensive to attend.
Examples Include:
Holy Cross, Assumption, Western New England University, Quinnipiac, Northeastern, etc.
Students with Disabilities
IEP & 504 Plans
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College Accommodations
If you are on an IEP or 504 plan and want to receive accommodations at the college level, please reach out to your school counselor to help you navigate this process.
Campus Support
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Resource Centers
All colleges have disabilities resource centers and services for students with disabilities.
A Typical College Application
Key Components & Requirements
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Official high school transcript and your complete schedule of senior year courses.
assignmentThe Application
Submitted via the Common Application or institution-specific portals.
peopleRecommendations
Required letters from your school counselor and designated academic teachers.
rate_reviewEssays & Writing
The primary personal essay and any college-specific supplemental questions.
gradeTesting Scores
Official standardized admissions testing reports for either the SAT or ACT exams.
rule_folderTest Optional
Many colleges let you decide whether or not to submit standardized test scores.
play_circle_outlineLet’s review how to begin and complete the process!
Application Deadlines
Early Action vs. Early Decision
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Early Decision
⚠️ Binding Agreement!
Only ONE college may be applied to for Early Decision.
However, you are permitted to apply Early Action to other schools.
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Typical Deadlines
November
1st or 15th
December
1st or 15th
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Transcript Form
Deadline: October 15th
Must schedule counselor meeting to submit
Location
School Counseling Suite
Application Fee
Pay $12 online via the WRHS website
Transcript Request Forms
Make an appointment with your counselor to submit these forms
error_outlineEarly Applications
Due: October 15th
Submit the Transcript Request Form (Early) to your counselor.
event_availableRegular Applications
Due: December 2nd
Submit the Transcript Request Form (Regular) to your counselor.
Form Preview
The College Essay
Crafting your personal story for college admissions
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Your Voice
Show, Don't Tell
Admissions representatives are searching for the authentic student's voice.
Be genuine, creative, thoughtful, and write about what matters to you.
Inject humor only if it feels natural to your style.
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The Process
Edit, Edit, Edit!
Great essays are built in revision. Give yourself plenty of time to refine your narrative drafts.
Word Limit
650 words max
SchooLinks ~ To Do List
Keep track of your college application requirements and daily goals
Complete Your To-Do List
Recommendation Letter Brag Sheet
Required for your teacher letters of recommendation.
School Counselor Letter of Rec Survey
Helps your counselor write a personalized, strong recommendation.
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Goals for Today
Complete these essential startup steps during today's session:
check_box_outline_blankSet up your Common App account
check_box_outline_blankReview your active SchooLinks tasks
Common App & SchooLinks
College Application Steps
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1. Common Application
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2. SchooLinks Setup
Common Application ~ FERPA Waiver
Follow these essential steps to complete your waiver setup
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Required Steps
looks_oneLog into your Common Application account.
looks_twoAdd a college or university to your 'My Colleges' list.
looks_3Access and sign the CA FERPA Waiver.
Visual Guide
Navigate to "Recommenders and FERPA" under any college in your list to initiate the release authorization waiver.
CA FERPA continued . . .
CA FERPA Waiver continued . . .
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The Waiver Preference
Although students can select the option to either waive or not waive their rights, colleges prefer that students choose to waive them.
Why it matters
Waiving your rights lets admissions offices know there were no outside influences on the teacher's letter of recommendation, maintaining its credibility.
Common App Recommendations
What NOT to DO!
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Do NOT Invite Here
Do NOT invite recommenders or teachers directly within the Common Application portal.
Instead, you will be inviting all of your teachers through SchooLinks!
Common App Education Section
Grades and GPA Guidelines
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Class Profile
Class Size�The approximate class size is 418.
Class Rank�Select No Rank (our school does not rank students).
Note on Class Size
Ensure this number matches official school profile details for your graduating class.
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GPA Reporting
CRITICAL INSTRUCTION
Do NOT convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale. Please report it exactly as listed in SchooLinks.
Common App - Current Classes
How to Report Your Courses
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General Rules
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Course Levels
Teacher Evaluation Requests
SchooLInks Recommendation Process
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Steps to Request
1. College Icon: In SchooLinks, click the College icon on the left navigation.
2. Find Section: Scroll down to 'Recommendation teacher' section.
3. Action: Click the 'Make requests' button.
4. Select: Search and select your teacher(s).
EARLY APPLICATIONS
Let your teacher know if you plan to apply early!
STARS Report
Self-Reported Transcript & Academic Record System
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What is STARS?
* Separate from Common App
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STARS System Portal
College Representative Visits
SchooLInks Registration Process
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Steps to Register
1. Log In: Log into SchooLinks.
2. Navigate: Click 'Engage' on the left side of the screen.
3. Register: Then click 'Events' to register.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students must inform teachers ahead of time & make up missed work. Please do not miss a class quiz or test!
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SchooLInks Portal
SchooLinks: Wrapping Up
...Where to Start!
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Essential Checklist
1. Common App: Create your Common Application Account.
2. FERPA Waiver: Sign the waiver in both Common App & SchooLinks.
3. Account Matching: Match your SchooLinks account to your Common App.
4. Evaluations: Add Teacher Evaluation Requests via the portal.
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Next Steps & Resources
5. Work on your 'TO DO' list:
6. Transcripts: Pick up a Transcript Request Form in the Counseling Office.
Need additional help?
Access the WRHS Counseling office resources.
College & Post Secondary Handbook
Standardized Testing
College Admission Exams & Recommendations
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SAT Reasoning
Subjects Covered:
Critical Reading and Math
RECOMMENDATION
Take the SAT Reasoning Test two to three times.
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ACT
Subjects Covered:
English, Math, Reading, Writing, and Science
RECOMMENDATION
Take in place of or in addition to SAT, based on strengths.
Many colleges are still test optional!
Visit www.fairtest.org for an up to date list of test optional schools.
Standardized Testing
Upcoming Test Dates & Registration Deadlines
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SAT Dates
Oct 3, 2026 – Register by Sep 18
Nov 7, 2026 – Register by Oct 23
Dec 5, 2026 – Register by Nov 20
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ACT Dates
Oct 17, 2026 – Register by Sep 11
Dec 12, 2026 – Register by Nov 6
Important Score Sending Requirement
Once you have created your final list of colleges, you must send scores (for a fee) directly by their application deadline. WRHS does not list scores on transcripts!
Financial Aid
Sign up for MEFA emails for updates
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•Complete once for all colleges
•FAFSA opens up October 1st
•Apply for FAFSA ID now via FAFSA Tool Kit
•Need free help? Visit www.mefa.org
•View the FAFSA Step-by-Step Guide
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•Required by more selective schools
•Complete early for select private colleges
•CSS Profile opens October 1st
Financial Aid (Continued)
Sign up for MEFA emails for updates
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MEFA Services
• Free FAFSA help!
• October 8th at 6:00 pm – MEFA will be at WRHS to review FAFSA with parents/guardians
• MEFA manages 529 plans and recommends private and public loans
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College Specific Forms
• Be sure to check each college's website directly for their unique specific financial aid forms and requirements.
NCAA & Scholarships
Information & Resources for Student Athletes
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NCAA Registration
•Division I and Division II Athletes
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Athletics
•Student athletic questionnaire
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Scholarships
(after the application process)
•WRHS Website
•Schoolinks
•Fast Web
•Good Call College Express Scholarship
•Going Merry
•Applications will be available on our website
•Massachusetts Scholarship Directory
Questions?