Deadlines

Deadlines are real! Often times I worry that the tendency we have in high school to set a deadline and then extend it or accept late materials creates a major problem when it comes to college applications and the rest of the world. The reality is that outside of high school, deadlines are real. If they say you need to have something done by a particular day, then it is essential that you have it done by that day. College applications and financial aid forms fit into this strict rule so this is your friendly reminder to watch your deadlines!

It is really important that you stay organized and submit all application materials to colleges prior to their designated deadlines. There are several schools that have scholarship deadlines of November 1st. (This means that if you want to be considered for the maximum scholarship offering that you need to apply by November 1st.) Other schools have November 15th, December 1st, December 15th, or even later deadlines, but because every school is different it is really important that you stay on top of this and meet the requirements with plenty of time. 

I'd like to remind you that college applications is just 1 piece of my job as a high school counselor (and how I am spending this entire weekend). I am more than happy to help you by writing recommendation letters if they are needed by your school, but you need to give me at least 30 days notice before you have to have the letter! Being able to outline, draft, edit and revise each letter is important so that I can share all the great things you will bring to the college. 

Don't forget, it also takes us 3-5 days at WKHS to process your transcript release and get it submitted to the colleges you have selected. Some schools (like OSU) hold firm to the requirement that their deadline doesn't just mean that the application has been received by that date, but that all supporting documentation is also in their hands by that particular date. This means that they also need to have your transcript and official ACT/ SAT test scores prior to the deadline date.

With the FAFSA now being based on the 2016 tax returns (for this year's seniors) the FAFSA is now open and ready for you and your parents to complete.  Be sure to do this and submit it to all of your colleges prior to the earliest FAFSA deadline.  Many colleges in Ohio have December 1st deadlines while others might not have deadlines until January or even February.  Just like with college application deadlines, each school gets to set their own FAFSA deadlines and you will need to watch the deadlines carefully so that you do not miss out on your chance to try to qualify for grants or loans.

If you are having trouble figuring out any of the deadlines, stop by to see me and we can look it up together.