One of the central topics was the detailed explanation of college application deadlines and their implications. Early action deadlines, primarily set for November 1st, were highlighted as particularly crucial for competitive programs such as nursing and physical therapy. The distinction between early action and early decision was made clear, with early decision being a binding commitment that could lead to financial obligations without prior knowledge of financial aid packages. Regular decision deadlines typically fall around January 1st, with advice given to complete applications before the holiday break to alleviate stress.

The counselors also emphasized the necessity of timely submissions for letters of recommendation, advising that requests should be submitted well in advance of application deadlines. They acknowledged that life can be hectic and assured students that late submissions would still be accepted, although they stressed the importance of early requests to ensure quality and well-prepared letters. Upcoming holidays, such as Veterans Day and Columbus Day, were noted as potential timeline disruptors.

Testing information was another point of discussion. The school serves as a testing site for the SAT on November 8, with a registration deadline of October 24. Although not a testing center for the ACT, students were informed about alternative testing dates and locations. Counselors provided guidance on reporting scores through the Common Application and College Board, and even directed students to a YouTube video for further assistance.

The meeting also introduced a procedural change in accessing letter recommendation information sheets, now available through Google Classroom. This transition is intended to streamline the process and make necessary forms more accessible to students. Counselors advised students to request recommendations from two academic teachers promptly, as some teachers may limit the number of requests they accept. An in-person conversation followed by a confirmation email with deadlines was recommended for ensuring clarity and organization.

Financial aid was a recurring theme, with counselors urging families to create their FSA IDs and gather necessary documents. They stressed the importance of submitting the FAFSA around application deadlines to avoid delays, sharing experiences of students who faced consequences due to procrastination.

Notably, the meeting announced two Instant Decision Days for Bridgewater State University on November 14 and UMass Dartmouth on November 18. Interested students must sign up in advance and submit their applications a few days prior to these events. Instant Decision Days involve brief interviews with admissions representatives who make on-the-spot decisions regarding acceptance.

To aid students in managing the college application process, counselors introduced a senior to-do list, outlining various tasks that need completion on platforms like SCORE and Common App. This list is designed to help students navigate the complexities of the application process and maintain organization. Counselors emphasized their availability for individual appointments to assist students, particularly those with imminent deadlines.

The meeting concluded with an interactive session, where counselors addressed additional questions from attendees. They encouraged students who had attended a college boot camp to follow up on their Common App profiles and essays, with a reminder that requesting teacher recommendations is typically done in the fall.