Senior Counseling Information

Researching Postsecondary Options 

• GA Futures: www.GAfutures.org 
  Set up a “My GA futures” account for postsecondary planning, sending transcripts for free to Georgia colleges, and checking HOPE GPA) 
   
• College Board Online for College and Financial Aid Checklist: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ 
• Go College: www.gocollege.com  
  Check out educational options.
   
• College Scorecard-US DOE: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/ 
   
• PHS College & Career Site: https://parkviewhs.gcpsk12.org/counseling/college-career-center
• University System of Georgia: www.usg.edu 
   
• Federal Student Aid Publications: https://studentaid.gov/resources/prepare-for-college/students/choosing-schools 
  Set up a “MyFSA” to explore college and career options.
   
• College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ 
• College Guides: www.eCampusTours.com 

More Information and Tips

• College Application Checklist
   
• Internet and Email Etiquette
   
• Top College Application Mistakes

Adapted from bigfuture.collegeboard.org/

Want to know if you’re on track in the college application process? This checklist shows you what you should be doing, and when.

Fall

• Narrow your list of colleges to between five and 10. Meet with a counselor about your college choices and, if you haven’t done so yet, download college applications and financial aid forms. Plan to visit as many of these colleges as possible. 
   
• Create a master list or calendar that includes: 
  • Tests you’ll take and their fees, dates, and registration deadlines 
  • College application due dates 
  • Required financial aid application forms and their deadlines (aid applications may be due before college applications) 
  • Other materials you’ll need (recommendations, transcripts, etc.) 
  • Your high school’s application processing deadlines
     
• Ask a counselor to help you request a fee waiver if you can’t afford the application or test fees.
   
• Take the SAT® one more time (or ACT): Many seniors retake the SAT or ACT in the fall. Additional course work since your last test could help you boost your performance. Plus, you already know what to expect on test day.
   
• Be sure to have your SAT or ACT scores sent to the colleges you’re applying to.
   
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): To apply for most financial aid, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA. The application opens in December.
   
• Complete the CSS PROFILE®: (If needed)  PROFILE is an online application used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to determine eligibility for their aid dollars.
   
• Prepare early decision/early action or rolling admission applications as soon as possible. Colleges may require test scores and applications in October and November for early admission decisions.
   
• Ask a counselor or teacher for recommendations if you need them. Give each teacher or counselor an outline of your academic record and your extracurricular activities. For each recommendation, provide a stamped, addressed envelope and any college forms required. Submit these at least three weeks before the due date.
   
• Write first drafts and ask teachers and others to read them if you’re submitting essays. If you’re applying for an early decision, finish the essays for that application now.

• Complete at least one college application by Thanksgiving.
   
• Ask counselors to send your transcripts to colleges. Give counselors the proper forms at least three weeks before the colleges require them. Transcripts cost $5.

• NOTE: If completing college applications through Common App then you must Match it with your Naviance Account (directions for Naviance & Common App are included on this page for your reference).

Winter

• Keep photocopies as you finish and send your applications and essays.
   
• Have your high school send a transcript: If applying to a GA college send it through GAFutures.org. If applying to an out of state college not through Common App then request it through MyPaymentsPlus. It will cost $5 per copy and will be mailed.
   
• If an application is due over Winter Break, be sure the counselor/teacher has all the information by December 1.
   
• Give the correct form to your counselor if the college wants to see second semester grades.

• To send first semester grade reports (Mid-Year Reports) to colleges, notify your counselor by January 12.

Spring
 

• Keep active in school. If you are waitlisted, the college will want to know what you have accomplished between the time you applied and the time you learned of its decision.
   
• Visit your final college before accepting. You should receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April. Notify your counselor of your choice. If you have questions about housing offers, talk to your counselor or call the college.
   
• Inform every college of your acceptance or rejection of the offer of admission and/or financial aid by May 1. Colleges cannot require your deposit or your commitment to attend before May 1. Talk to your counselor or adviser if you have questions.
   
• Send your deposit to one college only.
   
• Take any AP® Exams. Show what you’ve learned in your AP classes. A successful score could even earn you credit, advanced placement, or both in college.
   
• Waitlisted by a college? If you intend to enroll on the case that you are accepted, tell the admission director your intent and ask how to strengthen your application. Need financial aid? Ask whether funds will be available if you’re accepted.
   
• Work with a counselor to resolve any admission or financial aid problems.
   
• Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your college. Fill out the Final Transcript Request Form, $5 for paper copy or through MyPaymentsPlus. Students can send them for free through GAfutures.org to colleges in the state of Georgia (see Winter heading for details).
   
• Review your financial aid awards: Not all financial aid awards are the same, so it’s important to choose the aid package that’s best for you and your family. Be sure to note what you have to do to continue receiving financial aid from year to year, and how your aid might change in future years.

Go to https://www.gafutures.org/ and click Create an Account at the top of the page. Complete all fields (name, birth date, social security number, account name, password, etc.) Once your account is created, go to the College Planning tab to order transcripts. Electronic transcripts are free and are available for colleges in the state of Georgia only.

Download the form here: 
2024-2025 Counselor Recommendation Form

Deadlines for Submitting Recommendation Letters 

If you need help deciding which test to take as you prepare for your goals after high school, you may find this linked article helpful.

SAT vs. ACT: Which Test Should I Take? – BigFuture | College Board