Preparing for Admission and Scholarship Applications

If your student’s postsecondary plans include college, important steps should be taken now before senior year begins. As you approach this transition, you and your student should create a list of essential actions that include finalizing the college choice.

Why It Matters

College admission applications have fees and deadlines.
By now, your student should have whittled down the list of preferred colleges. Limiting the list helps you and your student save money since college applications typically have fees ranging from $40 and up. Some students who meet certain requirements — usually eligibility for the free or reduced lunch program — may be able to request a fee waiver. Be sure to check with the individual colleges.
Scholarship applications have deadlines.
Private companies and organizations begin refining their scholarship criteria and posting their opportunities now, and additional programs become available throughout senior year. Time spent researching and planning now will help your student act early.

What Your Student Can Do Now

Make a final list of colleges.
If not already done, your student should thoughtfully organize a list, preferably in electronic format, to keep track of timelines and additional materials that colleges might require. ICAN’s College Checklist may be a good starting point for building your student’s list. College Board recommends a balanced list of at least six colleges — three reach schools, two match schools and one safety school. Having an organized plan will allow your student to make short- and long-term plans.
Reach schools — Your student’s SAT or ACT score is lower than the average score range of last year’s freshman class.
Match schools — Your student’s SAT or ACT score is solidly in the same score range as last year’s freshman class.
Safety schools — Your student’s SAT or ACT score is higher than the average score range of last year’s freshman class.
Schedule final campus visits.
If your student’s college decision isn’t yet final, schedule campus visits to each one under consideration. Visiting campus a second or third time may solidify the decision.
Compose a scholarship essay.
Many scholarships require an essay with the application. While the essay components may differ among entities, your student should be prepared to describe accomplishments and achievements during high school, state what major will be pursued and at what potential college, as well as define how the scholarship funds will be used. Consult a teacher or counselor for advice and draft several versions for their review, if necessary. Keep a master copy and tweak it as necessary to use for multiple scholarship applications.
Review social media presence.
A stellar scholarship essay submitted by a brilliant applicant can do little to outweigh an embarrassing Facebook or Instagram post. Your student should review all social media profiles and delete anything that may appear derogatory or negative to a college admission or scholarship committee representative. Add security to block others from posting without approval. Now is a good time to stop using a high school email and create a professional account to use on applications and the FAFSA. Make sure a cell phone voicemail is set up and has a pleasant message inviting important callers to leave their information.

What Your Student Can Do Later

Seek letters of recommendation.
Your student should compile a list of teachers, employers or other adults who can be asked to write letters of recommendation for both college and scholarship applications. Requests should begin soon to allow them time to compose thoughtful and personal statements in addition to their other responsibilities.
Develop a spending plan.
Adding published costs to the preferred list of colleges may help your student make the final affordable choice for your family. Make projections to the list by adding in potential scholarships from the college itself, as well as others that might be received from other sources your student has found through research. Be sure to include savings and earnings your student will have from working both summers before enrolling. Financial preparation for college is just as important as academic preparation.
Plan to apply for financial aid in October.
When families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — commonly called the FAFSA — they are essentially applying for all of the federal student aid programs. The federal aid programs consist of grants for students who demonstrate high financial need, as well as work-study and loans. Students can select up to 20 colleges to receive the FAFSA results. However, financial aid offers are sent only to those students who have applied and been admitted to the individual schools. Iowa students and their parents can receive free individualized assistance completing the FAFSA from an advisor at ICAN by scheduling a FAFSA appointment. Despite the 2024-2025 FAFSA form’s very delayed release this year, Federal Student Aid plans for an October release date for the 2025-2026 FAFSA.

What You Can Do

Check over the list.
Help your student by making a list of documents or information that may be required for college admission. These could include a transcript, an activities resume, ACT or SAT scores, and class rank, or a supplemental application the college may require. Once you know what’s needed, add it to the list and help your student manage these documents. Your student can begin applying to colleges this summer and should take note of any deadlines. Many colleges accept applications on a rolling admission basis but the earlier an application is submitted, the better position your student will be in, especially for any reach schools on your student’s list.
Teach life skills.
Some students are completely self-sufficient by the time they head off to college; others not so much. Wherever your student falls on the sufficiency scale, take the time during the next year to help your student learn (or learn together) how to manage car maintenance, protect personal and financial information, do laundry, shop for meals and cook, and take care of other everyday needs.
Be the calm in the center of the storm.
Your student will soon be facing a major life transition and making impactful decisions as high school ends. Frequently, students struggle emotionally and mentally with the new challenges. Keep an eye on your student’s well-being and ability to cope with the variety of new tasks and changes to come. Having a plan and checking off items can help students feel like they are in control, as can talking to someone outside the family. Help your student seek out the available resources for medical or mental help if necessary.

Next Steps

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Additional references, handouts and talking points are available in the right sidebar to use at your leisure. They may prove beneficial to reference now or after receiving future emails — we’ll leave it completely up to you. Use our emails like a recipe for a successful outcome — assemble the recommended ingredients and then follow accompanying directions to add flavor and depth.