Seniors, it's time to LOCK IN!

Senior fall is about turning what you learned last year into action. You’re moving from exploring to executing. And here's how:

The 6 F’s of Fit (credit to Vanessa Montorsi)

Use these to help finalize your list:

• Focus: Academic interests (and the freedom to change them).

• Fellowship: Community, clubs, sports, campus vibe.

• Financial Fit: Net cost, not sticker price—run each school’s Net Price Calculator.

• Future: Outcomes, internships, alumni network.

• Family: Distance, support needs, logistics.

• Feel: That gut sense on tours, student center drop-ins, and school newspaper reads.

If supplemental questions don’t resonate, or you can’t imagine a real answer, that’s a signal the feel may be off.

Your Timeline (Starting Now)

This Week

• Lock your list. Label each school R/T/L. Be honest about odds using your school’s scattergrams (Naviance/SchooLinks) and your counselor’s advice.

• Map requirements. Create a tracker with: deadlines, supplements, recs, test policy, interview options, arts/engineering add-ons.

• Request teacher recs (2–3 weeks’ lead time). Choose teachers who can narrate your character + contribution, not just your grade.

• Draft your Common App essay (or polish it). Good writing breathes; plan for 2–3 revisions.

Next 2–3 Weeks

• Write supplements (start with your earliest deadline). Answer why us / why you with specifics (programs, labs, courses, traditions).

• Interview if offered. Treat it as a two-way conversation; bring one nuanced question you can’t Google.

• Testing, smartly.

  • Test-optional? Submit if your score strengthens your file (especially for quant-heavy majors).

  • Not sure? Compare to your school’s 50th/75th percentiles and talk to your counselor.

  • One more fall sitting can still land before Nov 1 at many schools.

October

• Early Decision/Early Action check-in. Only ED if it’s your clear #1 and the finances work (run the NPC, talk to FA if needed).

• Polish activity entries. Show growth, leadership, impact; verbs + outcomes.

• Attend rep visits at your high school. That person may read your file, introduce yourself.

November–January

• Submit clean, complete apps so no “night-before” writing.

• Confirm documents (transcripts, recs, test sends if required).

• Keep grades steady and keep contributing; mid-year reports matter.

and remember to STAY POSITIVE!

• Control what you can (quality, deadlines, authenticity).

• Expect some uncertainty and trust a good result.

• Enjoy senior year. College is the goal, but this year is also a milestone.

Best of luck,
Melina Kazanas

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