Senior year can be stressful\u2014 with so much happening at once, it\u2019s easy for families to overlook key steps in the college application process. Here are the top mistakes we see families make during senior year\u2014and how you can avoid them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Missing Deadlines 2. Not Completing the FAFSA Early 3. Applying Without a Plan<\/strong>
<\/strong>Between college applications, scholarship forms, FAFSA, ACT registration deadlines, and recommendation letters, it\u2019s easy to lose track. Create a calendar with all major deadlines\u2014especially for schools like OU and OSU, which often have priority scholarship deadlines as early as November 1. We help our students stay organized and ensure we never miss a deadline, while maintaining a manageable workflow throughout the year.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Many families delay the FAFSA or skip it entirely. Even if you don\u2019t think you’ll qualify for aid, some scholarships and colleges require it for merit aid consideration. Submit it as soon as it opens<\/em> (usually in October). As a former student affairs administrator (Rennie Cook), I’ve seen that emergencies happen that affect a college student\u2019s finances, and having a FAFSA already on file can ease the stress of an already stressful situation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Some students apply randomly to colleges without considering fit, finances, or long-term goals. Create a balanced list of schools\u2014include reach, match, and likely options\u2014and evaluate each based on academic programs, cost, and campus culture. Our Class 101 students and families are educated and empowered by understanding their options and the importance of fit, finances, and their long-term goals for their future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n