12th Grade. The college journey begins.
“My son worked with a “fancy” college counselor but they didn’t understand what he really needed. We talked to Florence at the beginning of senior year and she “got him” and suggested a few schools. She guided his application and he was accepted with merit aid! He’s now a very happy freshman at the perfect school for him. ”
Bryn Mawr College
College applications, personal statements, artists statements, portfolios, auditions… know your application requirements and deadlines and you will be successful.
12th grade is when it all comes together. If we’ve been working together in 10th or 11th grade you’re in great shape. By the time you start classes in the fall you’ll have your artistic materials ready, your common application complete, your letters of recommendation requested, and most importantly your college list finalized. All of this will allow you to focus on your academics which might be the last semester a college sees before it makes an admissions decision so you can’t slack off. If you haven’t started working with us, it’s not too late to start but contact us soon.
There are a lot of deadlines that can’t be missed. If you are applying to a visual arts school, you want to attend National Portfolio Day in the fall to get a last chance to receive feedback from an admissions officer. If you need to audition, each school has their own deadline and very specific requirements regarding audition materials.
Some activities still to be done in 12th grade:
Finalize your college list so there is a balance of reach, target and likely schools.
Determine when you’ll apply to each school (early decision, early action or regular decision). Read our blog to learn about these different options.
Check interview requirements. If you are applying for the performing arts, check the admissions dates carefully, many programs open their audition schedules in August and some are first come, first served. Others may require “pre-screen” submissions before offering you an audition.
Write your supplemental essays, some schools have two or three supplemental essays.
Create any required supplemental artwork, some schools require you to create additional work in response to a prompt.
Submit your applications early to ensure that nothing is forgotten and that you give yourself the best chance at being accepted.
Big tips:
If you need to take an SAT/ACT in the fall of 12th grade check with schools to which you are applying to see the last test date they will accept.
Know if a school to which you are applying is visiting your school (or at a nearby college fair), this is a great way to meet the admissions representative who will most likely be reading your application.
Check your email EVERY DAY. Schools will communicate with you via email, if they have questions they will ask, if you miss their email you could be denied admission.
Know the financial aid process and requirements for each school. Failing to complete the FAFSA or CSS on time might deny you the aid you need.
Keep up your grades, even if you’re accepted. Schools have been known to rescind acceptances for academic reasons.
Visit our resources page for links to many helpful sites.