Sachem North High School

Steps In The College Selection Process

• Step 1:  Research
• Step 2:  Testing
• Step 3:  Application
• Step 4:  Financial Aid
• Step 5:  Decision

Step 1:  Research (Junior Year)

• Meet with your counselor to complete an initial college search and obtain information to kick-start the process.
• Utilize online college searches, such as Naviance and www.collegeboard.com to help develop your list of schools.
• Develop a balanced list of reach, target, and safety schools, considering both academics, as well as cost of the school.
• Attend college fairs, such as College Day for juniors (spring) and College Night @ Sachem East (fall).
• Visit college campuses.
• Potential Division I & II athletes, be sure to see your counselor about NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.
• Potential Military Academy applicants, discuss these plans with your counselor.
• Check the guidance web site for important information.  

Step 2:  Testing (Spring of Junior Year / Fall of Senior Year)

• Register for the SAT I Reasoning Test (check deadlines).
• Register for the ACT (check deadlines).
• Register for SAT II Subject Tests if needed.  (Check web sites of the colleges you are interested in to see if required/which tests to take.)
• Avoid late registration fees by applying on time.
• Enroll in SAT/ACT prep courses available through Sachem.
• Important web sites:
  • www.collegeboard.com
  • www.actstudent.org

Step 3:  Application (Fall of Senior Year)

• Obtain and carefully complete all college applications.  Note: most applications are available to be completed online or can be printed from the college web site. 
• Complete applications early.  Be aware of deadlines.  Don’t procrastinate!
• Request your transcript, SAT/ACT scores, and other supporting materials to be mailed by the guidance office to the colleges to which you are applying.
• Obtain teacher letters of recommendation.
• Request mid-year grades to be mailed to those colleges that require them.

Step 4:  Financial Aid (Senior Year)

• Check early to see if colleges require the CSS profile.
• Attend Sachem’s Financial Aid Information Night for senior parents (in the fall).
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online (studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa) or by mail in January of the senior year.
• Check the Guidance Department’s Scholarship Newsletter for possible scholarship opportunities.

Step 5:  Decision (Spring of Senior Year)

• Inform your counselor of your final decision.
• Submit copies of all college acceptance letters and scholarship awards to your counselor.
• Complete the Senior Survey with your counselor.
• Request your final transcript to be sent to the college you choose to attend.