SENIOR COLLEGE COUNSELING AND SERVICES

SENIOR YEAR PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Meeting weekly or biweekly–depending on the student’s schedule– the student finalizes the list of colleges to which he or she will apply. Each student works privately with their own essay coach to complete essays. In addition to working privately with a counselor, application tutorials are held to assist the student in completing applications and preparing each college’s required documents. Every senior is required to attend a minimum of 2 application tutorials held in late summer and Fall. Special advising is provided to students pursuing the performing and visual arts as well as those pursuing collegiate athletics. In spring of the senior year, guidance is provided to the student and parents in making a final selection. Students and parents are strongly encouraged to attend the “Transitions Workshop” held in May.

College Planning Tips for Seniors

Research testing dates and register to take any necessary entrance exams (SAT and ACT). Remember, most school won’t accept test scores past December of your senior year.
Solicit letters of recommendations from a few teachers and your school’s college or guidance counselor.
Finalize your college list and start working on applications and essays in order to have them done before the winter holidays.
Research local and national financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Submit your Cal State and UC applications in the month of November. The deadline for both systems is November 30th.
Applications should be submitted based on individual school deadlines.
Schedule any necessary admissions interviews.
File the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov as soon after January 1st as possible.
Be sure to visit each school you are accepted to before accepting an offer. Decide on a school by May 1st!
Relax! Have a fun summer Get ready for an exciting and fulfilling college experience!

Steps to Take to Support Your 12th Grade Student

Support your student. With a challenging school schedule, extracurricular activities, and college applications, your student can become overwhelmed. Encourage and reassure your student that you will be there to support and help him/her stay organized.
Be sure that your student is using a planner/calendar. With homework, SAT/ACT, and college application deadlines, it is important that your student writes down due dates and plans ahead.
Make plans for attending college fairs and meeting college representatives when they are in the area.
Closely monitor your student’s progress in completing college application essays.
Help your student make decisions concerning early action and/or early decision deadlines. The sooner those deadlines are decided, the better.
Begin gathering documents needed for the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile.
Encourage your student to take a night off. It is important that your student has time where he/she can relax and enjoy a movie or having dinner at their favorite restaurant.

SAT/ACT Preparation

Whether you are taking the test for the first time, or retaking the test during your Senior year, your score matters! Our talented team can help your student decide which test is right and help determine the best time to take the test. A lot goes into deciding the perfect date for your student’s test date, as sports, clubs and other commitments can make scheduling tutoring very difficult. That’s why our exceptional team of tutors work around your schedule to make the process a breeze!

The College Blueprint will help you and your student prepare for the SAT or ACT with self-confidence, organization, and positive results! We can give your student the tools necessary to score well on the SAT and ACT. Our SAT/ACT preparation program includes:

Personalized academic evaluation
One-on-one test prep
Experienced tutors who have succeeded in taking the SAT
Flexible and personalized scheduling
24 hours of private instruction. We have a fluid program that caters to the needs of the student, rather than following a rigid structure. Why spend all those hours on SAT Math if Critical Reading is far more difficult for you student?
A focus on each student’s particular learning style
Specialized focus on students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder
Several proctored practice tests offered most Saturday mornings including evaluation and correction Regular score, grade, and tutoring analysis
A friendly and professional atmosphere!

In our program, we offer a variety of strategies on analyzing problems, decoding the SAT language, learning concepts and vocabulary found on the SAT and ACT, developing your pace for taking the test, and so much more! At The College Blueprint, our students average a 235 point increase with some achieving increases of 300-580 points!

Summer To Do List

Give yourself a pat on the back, you did it!
Organize college mailings into different categories—orientation, housing, course registration, and finances.
Go shopping for dorm room supplies and furniture.
Spend quality time with your family and friends and take the time to thank them for their support throughout this process.

“I could not have done all of that stuff without you. I’ve worked so hard in high school and I’m happy that you could be a part of my dreams of getting into college.” – Senior, Newport Harbor High School