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Take the SAT and/or ACT—If you feel like you can improve on your initial SAT and/or ACT results, take the tests for the second (or at most, third) time in the fall of senior year. If you are worried about the cost of the test, ask your guidance counselor for a fee waiver!
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Revise college application essays—Once senior year begins, ask a teacher to proofread your application essays and then make any revisions and prepare final drafts before college applications are due.
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Ask for letters of recommendation—At least a month prior to the deadline, provide your recommenders with bullet points listing how you excelled academically in their classes along with the letter of recommendation forms and stamped envelopes addressed to the colleges where you are applying.
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Gather all application materials—Make sure you, or your guidance counselor, have the necessary materials for college admissions including forms, test scores, essays, recommendations, and transcripts. If you are worried about the cost of the application, ask your guidance counselor or college of interest for a fee waiver!
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Submit early decision application, if desired—Early decision applications, usually due in November, require a binding commitment in exchange for early acceptance.
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Submit early action applications—For early action schools, you receive a decision early but can wait for the regular decision deposit deadline to make your final choice.
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Submit CSS PROFILE if applying early— Though the FAFSA cannot be submitted until after October 1, certain schools require the CSS PROFILE in the fall if you plan to go through their early application process.
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Ensure official SAT and/or ACT score reports are sent to early application schools—In addition to your application forms, letters of recommendation, essays, and other requested materials, your early decision application will require you to go to the College Board (SAT) and ACT Student (ACT) websites to send colleges your official test score reports.
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Go into early admissions interviews confident—Interviews for some early action/decision schools happen in the fall, but don't stress out. You've done your research; now it’s just about having a conversation!