Time to Get Your Early College Applications Out
Posted by Alex on November 1st, 2008
Early Decision and Early Action deadlines are fast approaching for many universities and colleges.  Just a quick heads up for you high school seniors out there.  You may think you have plenty of time but you do not. Some schools have a November 1st deadline and those need to be post marked by today. Some are as late as December 15th. If you have not done so, you better get moving. Your parents and high school guidance counselor are ready and willing to help, but you still need to just do it. Here are some things to double check and make sure: 1) your teachers and guidance counselor mailed in their recommendations and your high school has sent your transcripts for early schools; 2) you sent scores (AP scores, SAT scores, ACT scores) to all early schools; you SIGNED your application; 4) you included payment; 5) you track your package so you see when it arrives. In fact, we would recommend using only UPS or Federal Express and NOT the US Post Office; and 6) you make copies of the common application and other application materials in case it’s lost in the mail.
If you still are a sophomore or junior, I suggest you get someone to supplement your school’s guidance counselor so you can start planning NOW. We used Mimi Doe and Michelle Hernandez Consulting. They were a tremendous help in assisting us plan the summer of senior year and have all our kids applications done before the start of senior year. Two kids and 22 applications filed by the end of September and we already have started to hear back from schools with rolling admissions. It’s a great relief to get those early acceptance letters in the mail!!!
If you are an athlete, you better start thinking about creating a recruiting video during your junior year. When you start visiting schools and meeting with coaches, many are going to ask for a copy of your video. College coaches just do not have the resources to come and see everyone play so a recruiting video is the ony resource that will enable them to evaluate your abilities. You do not have to use us, but use somebody other than an aunt, uncle or friend who may or may not know how to use their video camera and, ABOVE ALL, start the process during your junior year. It could be the difference between getting and not getting a scholarship, but more importantly it could be the difference between getting into your stretch school or not. Think education first, sports second!