Senior Year Checklist for Application Process

(  ) Review your list of universities or technical colleges.  Prioritize your schools and begin making applications after September 15.  Set a target date to have at least one application mailed before November 15.  If you are interested in a competitive field, nursing, etc, apply NOW!  The University of Minnesota Twin Cities application deadline is December 15.

(  ) Visit colleges of choice; you and your counselor can arranage these visits.

(  ) Most college applications are now submitted online.  The paper copy is still available in the Guidance Office but you can apply online to all University of Wisconsin colleges at www.applywisconsin.edu. 

(  ) If you are applying to a private school, decide whether you are applying early decision, early action, or regular admission.

(  ) College essays/personal statements are important; write a draft and have someone with English skills (your English teacher or counselor) evaluate it.  Clear, concise writing is important.

(  ) Request letters of recommendation early - give your writer at least two weeks to write the letter.  Letters of recommendation are appropriate for some college applications (typically private) and many scholarships. 

(  ) Bring completed application, transcript release form, and application fee (check or money order) to your guidance couselor/secretary.  We will mail your counselor comment page along with your current transcript and check/money order.

(  ) Make sure you have taken the necessary admission tests (ACT, SAT I and SAT II, ACCUPLACER).  If you are not satisfied with your score or think that other factors affected your test performance, you may want to retest.

(  )  Most of all, contact your guidance counselor if you have any questions regarding this process.