Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Guidance Center
Counselor recommendations play a pivotal role in the college application process.
Click to see our recommendation process.
Interactive site from the College Board. Different tips/hints depending upon the grade level chosen to investigate.
website with lots of resources on colleges and universities, "for students, by students". Registration is free, search for schools, degrees, scholarships, and more.
Applying to College Calendar for Seniors -- a calendar-style check list of that needs to be done during your senior year to apply for college.
Senior
Tips & Preparations
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Carry a full academic load throughout the entire year! Final admission to some colleges is dependent on maintaining a strong academic standing and full course schedule throughout the 12th grade. KEES money is also dependent upon the number of credits earned during the senior year.
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Your ILP is filled with valuable resources and information, including scholarships & financial aid, resume builder, college and career search engines, and job interview skills and tips. You can continue to access your ILP after graduation by logging in once per year for as long as you wish to keep it available. This can prove to be a handy tool if used appropriately.
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Review your transcript to ensure its accuracy.
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In October, attend college fair night at Heritage Hall.
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Visit college representative when they visit the College and Career Center.
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Make college visits when possible. Keep good notes during these visits. Refer to the Campus Visit Tips.
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Finalize college applications by December 1st. Check deadlines for your colleges. Admission requirements for colleges and universities vary, but typical criteria include cumulative GPA, rigor of courses, extracurricular activities, community service, and recommendations. Most applications require an essay and some colleges require an interview.
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Attend the Financial Aid Workshop in December.
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Request recommendations from counselors and teachers in a timely manner. A MINIMUM OF TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FIRST DEADLINE IS REQUIRED.
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Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Families need to complete this application by January 15th using year-end financial information because federal funds are dispensed quickly and have been depleted by the end of January for the last several years. (Financial information can be updated after federal tax information is complete.) All families need to complete the FAFSA even if you will not qualify for federal funding because colleges use this information for their financial aid as well.
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Make final college visits in April to assist determining final college choice.
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Investigate housing applications, roommate choices, etc. Be aware of the deadlines associated with these decisions. Housing applications should be complete as soon as you make your final choice of the college you are attending.
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Make plans to attend the orientation for your college-many orientations begin in May and dates fill up quickly. Earlier orientation dates will insure the courses and times you want are available.
When and where can you find out what rank you are with in your graduating class.
Learn all about your dream university, and connect with admissions representatives today.
Applying for Colleges or Scholarships you may need a recommendation from your counselor...learn how to get one.
Indivdual Senior Meetings will happen late OCT.
You counselor will call for send you a note when your appointment is.
ORDER YOUR FINAL TRANSCRIPT ASAP
Placeing a Final Transcript Through Parchment
1) Log into your Parchment.com account (or register an account)
2) You should see the name of your highschool under "Institutions"
3) Click on "Order"
4) Search for the destination you'd like your Final Transcript delievered to
5) Select "Hold for Grades" if you would like your Final Transcript sent when the graduation date has posted
ALL final Transcripts must be ordered through Parchment!