How to start (and finish) the application process

1. The most important aspect of the college application process is the creation of a strong list of schools. First, visit College Navigator and enter in your search criteria. The more specific the criteria the smaller the list.  Try not to be too specific as it may eliminate good college choices.  Export the list to .xls or .dat.
2. Create a copy of this google sheet by following this link.  You will input (copy paste) the data from the xls/dat spreadsheet that you created. For any information that is not included, visit the admissions website of the school and copy/paste the data.
3. Share the sheet with Mr. Giordano.
4. If you have not done so already, create a common app account and match it with Naviance (You must add at least one school to Common App and complete the "School Section" and "FERPA" by waiving your right.  You should now see your school information listed on the Common App such as your School Counselor. It will say matched in Naviance.
5. Complete the Common (shared) Questions to the Common App.
6. Add your colleges and begin answering the individual college questions.  
7. Complete the writing supplements if required or optional.  
8. You should already have a draft of your common app essay.  Please share it with me so I can begin to edit.
9. Provide me with a short bio. Make sure that your resume is up to date in Naviance. This will help me to begin writing your recommendation
10. Request recommendation letters from teachers.  This is a two step process. First, you must ask the teacher.  Then you will add the teacher to Naviance as a recommender.  You should have at least two teacher recommendations. They will have access to your Naviance resume but I would export a copy to pdf and email it to the teacher with a copy of your bio, Your bio should include any information that you think would be pertinent to your personal characteristics such as resilience, leadership, adversity, etc...
11. Once you are ready to submit your common app I will review it with you. We can do this in the office or virtually.
12. Once you submit your application you will receive conformation from each college along with a a way to access your individual school account (status checker\portal). This is where you will see the rest of the requirements. This is critical. 
13. In October you will begin the financial aid process. Most Early applications are due November 1st or 15th. This includes financial aid and the submission of all documents. If you miss a deadline there are no exceptions.  It is too late!