Overview

Senior year is a critical time in a student’s life. The Counseling Department looks forward to working with seniors and their families as they begin the post-secondary planning process. 

College Admissions Program

Students and parents began the College Admissions Program in the spring of their junior year and will continue through their senior year addressing both college readiness and the college admission process. The purpose of the program is to promote equity and access for all students by requiring every student to participate in two group sessions with their counselors at school and inviting all students and parents to participate in evening programs that address every phase of the college admission process. Every family is offered access to our online tool, Naviance, for college and career planning. The College Admission Program is outlined below in chronological order:

Fall 

• Session I:   Essay Writing Workshop for Students only offered after school by Counselors and a College Admissions Representative.

• Session II: Counselors meet with parents of seniors to explain the application process in depth.

• Session III:   Counselors meet in small groups with seniors to instruct students on application process and timeline for admissions.

• Session IV:   Financial Aid Night for Students and Parents.

Ongoing

Individual Meetings—Counselors meet individually with all seniors to discuss post-secondary options, finalize college lists, review procedures, and gather information for recommendations. Students not planning to attend college will receive guidance on career exploration, interim programs, and post-secondary options.

Procedures

Transcripts—Student Record Release Forms are available in the Counseling Office. Students must submit a request form to the Registrar or Guidance Secretary four weeks prior to the application deadline to allow time for processing. Each transcript packet includes a school profile, grade distribution chart, counselor recommendations, first term report card, completed secondary school report form, senior year schedule and an official transcript with grade point average. The cost for each packet is $3.00. Please note that students are responsible for submitting completed applications and fees directly to colleges.
 
Electronic Submission of Records-In order to submit Student Records electronically, students must complete the FERPA form on the Common Application. 

Common Application Match-In order to send your transcript electronically to the Common App Colleges you must first verify your common app email address on the Naviance.  

Applying to Common App Schools with a different application- If you apply to a common application school with a different application (e.g. Fast Track or VIP), your transcript packet can’t be submitted electronically.
You must inform your counselor, by clearly indicating this information on the record release form. The transcript packet will be mailed. In addition, you must provide your teacher with a self-addressed envelope with postage.

Recommendations-All students must complete a Student Data Sheet and schedule an appointment with a counselor at least four weeks prior to the application deadline to request a recommendation. Teacher recommendations should be requested during the first term. Please provide teachers with a manila folder containing stamped envelopes, two different recommendation forms, and deadlines. Both forms are available in the Counseling Office.
 
Test Scores—ACT and SAT scores must be requested directly from the testing service. Please verify that score reports have been sent to each college on the final college list. 
 
Financial Aid—Families applying for financial aid are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which must be submitted after October 1st. Some private colleges also require the CSS/Profile, which may be submitted in the fall. Both applications are only available online.
 
College Representative Visits—Over 150 college representatives visit Andover High School each year to meet with prospective students. Seniors interested in visiting a particular college representative must sign up on Naviance and request passes at least one day in advance from Mrs. Lenzi. Every student who receives a pass from guidance must obtain permission from his/her classroom teacher in order to attend.

Tips

• Seniors should make an appointment to see their counselor early in the fall to discuss post-secondary plans. 

• Informational interviews and job shadowing are an excellent way to explore career possibilities. Students who are undecided about college majors and programs may want to contact community and family members who hold positions in careers of interest. 

• College visits are an important part of the application process. Students are encouraged to schedule visits while colleges are in session whenever possible. Many small, competitive colleges also require interviews, which can be scheduled during a visit. 

• When researching colleges, students are encouraged to look beyond New England to maximize options. 

• Students need to maintain strong grades during senior year, as this will affect college admission decisions. Students are encouraged to select a strong course load while maintaining a balance between school and extracurricular activities. 

• Parents of students with learning disabilities should be aware of eligibility forms for extended times on testing. College support services vary in quality. Families should explore individual programs offered and talk with counselors about resources. 

• The college process can sometimes be a stressful time for families. Establish a regular weekly check-in time to discuss plans and process information. Setting deadlines and creating checklists may be helpful. If communication problems arise, please feel free to contact your child’s counselor. 

• Students should pay close attention to updated scholarship listings posted on Naviance.