Carly Altman | Head Editor
November 8, 2024
With early action and early decision due dates passing by, as well as regular decision deadlines looming in the near distance, these next few weeks mark the final stretch of college application season for the class of 2025. Whether your applications have already been submitted, or you are still piecing them together, there are several crucial steps to take to ensure your applications are complete and prepared for review.
Finalize your essays
With time beginning to run short, now is the time to make sure your personal statement, supplemental essays, and personal insight questions are complete prior to the upcoming deadlines. Gain feedback on your writing, make edits and adjustments, and confirm that your essays are the best they can be. “Having my peers read my essays and give me advice was extremely beneficial,” explained senior Madelyn Mitchell. “This feedback helped me to identify where I can improve and fix any errors.” With UC and Cal State deadlines approaching on December 2nd and regular decision deadlines ranging from December to February, take advantage of these next few weeks to bring your essays to completion.
Create and review your portals
Once you have pressed the submit button on your application, be on the lookout for an email with instructions on how to create your school-specific portal. After you have created your portal, take the time to ensure that your information appears correct, your materials have been received, and there are no other additional items for you to complete. “Once I opened my portal, I had to manually fill out my courses and grades,” explained senior Hannah Ellinger. “I am glad that I checked my portal right away and was able to start on this sooner rather than later.” Some universities have required supplemental materials that become accessible once you open your portal, such as the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). It is vital to check your portal and ensure that your application is complete in its entirety.
Look into the CSS Profile and FAFSA
After completing your application, look into if the universities you are applying to require the CSS Profile and the FAFSA. Filling out these forms is imperative if you intend to be considered for financial aid. The CSS Profile is commonly utilized by many private schools, determining students’ eligibility for non-federal aid. The FAFSA is used to determine students’ qualifications for federal aid. While the FAFSA will not be available for completion until early December, the CSS Profile is available now and should be fulfilled as soon as possible.
With college deadlines coming closer and closer, it is common to feel overwhelmed by the complex application process. Remember to set yourself up for success, take a deep breath, and put your best foot forward. As you prepare to hit the submit button, feel confident that you have given it your all and congratulate yourself on your hard work.
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