The maximum number of classes a senior at Chamblee High School can take is six. This should be simple if one overlooks the most important goal of senior year: college applications! Though very tedious, the admissions and financial aid process is one with which any prospective applicant to college should familiarize himself, as it is essential to make an educated and confident decision about which college to attend.
The first and most essential thing to do is gather information about colleges of interest. This can be done through college visits, brochures, and college fairs. Also, the valuable advice counselors can give should not be underestimated, as they have much experience counseling prospective college students. Most counselors do not recommend developing a list of colleges for application without proper information. Many universities are not what they seem, so background information is needed before any decision.
Once a student develops a list of colleges, he should look towards fulfilling the criteria for admission. Consider all of the required tests and the model of a typical entering freshman. Peruse the applications for those colleges and note whether an essay and recommendation letters are needed.
All students should seek financial aid and scholarships fervently, as tens of thousands of dollars can be saved this way.
Anyone who feels paying full tuition would be tough should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be done online at www.collegeboard.com. FAFSA facilitates need-based aid from the federal government, such as the Federal Pell Grant, with awards given to more than four million students each year. Websites like FastWeb™ and the College Scholarship Search are great for directing students to appropriate scholarships.
College admissions can be very time-consuming with all the writing one must do to finish applications. Senior Phillip Olaleye says, “Taking a study hall was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I would be completely burnt out on all this college stuff otherwise. As long as students avoid procrastination, applications can be finished with much time to spare.
