January 2010 update to Seniors and Parents of Seniors
Seniors and Parents of Seniors:
I just wanted to give you a quick update and remind you of a few important things.
As of last week, the guidance office has mailed out over 294 packets most of which are application packets including your letters of recommendations, transcripts, Covenant Day School’s school profile, a letter from me and your student resume. Some of the packets have been scholarship applications.
We still have some students applying to colleges and I want to assure that it is not at all too late. We start this process early here at Covenant Day for several reasons, so do not think that it is too late to submit an application to a school of your choice. Check the colleges’ websites for their deadlines. This is often a difficult time as the seniors have been working and applying and now they wait. Please continue to pray for each of the seniors as they seek to find the best “fit” for them. It is a privilege and relief to trust in a sovereign and good God to continue to guide and direct their steps. Some seniors have to wait longer than others; please pray that God will use this critical time to teach each of them more about themselves and the God that they serve. I continue to pray daily that God will open and close doors according to His will and give clarity to the student and their parents. I often tell students that I think it is good to face a rejection from a school for a variety of reasons. However, it is important to help them process this and realize how a “no” can absolutely be God’s protection and is ultimately clearly God’s direction.
All colleges and universities ask for semester grades to be sent. Seniors, please note that I will be mailing your semester grades to each of the colleges & universities to which you have applied. They will be mailed out by Tuesday, January 19th. I will automatically do this. You do not need to request this of me. However, some of you have electronic accounts with your prospective schools. Some schools require you to update your semester grades on your “account”. You must do this; I am unable to do this for you.
It is imperative that you, Seniors, are tracking any and all scholarship requirements, deadlines, applications and weekend competitions. Many of those scholarship competitions take place in February. Be sure you make your arrangements in advance.
Students who have applied early application will receive notification of acceptance, deferral or denial. Please notify the guidance office of your status. If you have been deferred from a school, be sure to follow their instructions as to the next step. This does not mean denial; rather, schools simply review your application again against another pool of applicants. You will find out at a later date of your acceptance or denial. If you were prompted to apply, I generally think that you should follow it through the deferral process even though that can be initially disappointing. Writing a letter of interest, sending updated grades, scores and resume is a good idea. If the school is indeed your top choice, you should communicate that to them. Also emailing the admission counselor and asking if there is anything else they need or recommend shows initiative and can be informative. This is a natural part of the process, so stay the course!
Now that January 1st has passed, as soon as you have your end of the year tax information, you should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Your taxes do not have to be filed prior completing the FAFSA application. FAFSA forms are available at www.fafsa.ed.gov and should be completed as soon after January 1st as possible. Many scholarships require this information to be completed. You do not need to complete this form in order to attend college, but you will not be issued any financial aid and some scholarships if it is not completed. I highly recommend that you navigate through the form. Electronic submission is the most efficient mode of operation. See below for more information about the FAFSA. Some schools require the CSS Profile which can be accessed through the collegeboard website (www.collegeboard.com). This form is fee based and costs $25 to complete and $16 to send it to each college or university. The Profile is similar to the FAFSA but more intensive. BE SURE TO CHECK WITH THE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES AS TO WHICH FORMS ARE REQUIRED! When you file the FAFSA be sure that you use www.fafsa.ed.gov , not .com which charges you to submit your FAFSA and click on the 2010-2011 year option, not the “current year”.
Please feel free to email me at hmills@covenantday.org if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment. I will be meeting with all juniors in January and February, so my schedule is less flexible, but I am certainly glad to meet with you.
In His Service,
Heather Mills
Guidance Counselor
Covenant Day School