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Getting College-Ready in 11th Grade
Senior year is when all the planning and preparation pays off. You know where you want to apply, you've built your foundation—now it's about executing flawlessly. If you've done the work, this year should feel busy but manageable, not chaotic.
Main Focus
Senior year is when everything you've built comes to fruition. The planning is done—now it's about executing flawlessly. Strong applications, strategic timing, and staying organized will determine your outcomes.
PrioritIES
Keep Your Grades Strong (Yes, They Still Matter)
Early Decision and Early Action schools see your first quarter grades
Regular Decision schools see your mid-year report (first semester)
Final transcripts go to the school you commit to—acceptances can be rescinded for major drops
Rigor still matters—don't suddenly take the easiest schedule possible
Senior year grades matter less than junior year, but "less" doesn't mean "not at all." Maintain consistency and show you're still engaged academically.
Finalize Your College List and Application Strategy
Early Decision (ED) - Deadline: November 1 or 15. Binding commitment—if accepted, you must attend
Early Action (EA) - Deadline: November 1 or 15. Non-binding—you get an early answer but can still choose
Regular Decision (RD) - Deadline: January 1 to February 1. Most students apply RD to the majority of schools
Rolling Admissions - Varies by school. Applications reviewed as received—earlier is better
College Essays: Make Your Story Count
Identify experiences that reveal something meaningful about who you are
Find the angle that's authentic and compelling—not what you think they want to hear
Avoid cliché topics unless you have a genuinely fresh perspective
Staying Organized: No Missed Deadlines, No Forgotten Components
Master deadline calendar for every school and every component
Checklist for each application (essays written, activities list complete, recommendations submitted, transcripts sent, test scores ordered)
Regular check-ins to ensure steady progress
Accountability to keep you moving without cramming at the last minute
Navigate Common App, Coalition, UC, and other platforms
Troubleshoot technical issues
Ensure transcripts, test scores, and recommendations are properly submitted
Confirm receipt of all materials before deadlines
Services for This Year
Transcript evaluation
High school and college requirements
Course recommendations
Resume prototype and individual assistance with preparation of resume
Recommendations for extracurricular activities
Discussions about leadership in and out of school activities
Time management and organizational skills
Goal setting – long and short term
Monitor student’s progress (grades)
Tutorial referral service
Summer enrichment recommendations
Final examination strategy
Introduction to college admission expectations
PSAT information
Standardized Testing
Discussion of college admissions expectations
College application personal timeline
College application assistance/editing
College application personal statement and essay assistance/editing
College interview coaching
College application typing service and online application assistance
Organization and assistance in compiling teacher/counselor recommendation packets