A major highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on the newly implemented requirement for all students in New Jersey to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to graduate. This mandate is designed to ensure that students explore all potential financial aid opportunities. The FAFSA for the 2024-2025 academic year will be released on December 1, 2024, a shift from its traditional October 1 release date. School counselors underscored the importance of submitting the FAFSA promptly to meet individual school deadlines and maximize financial aid options. Additionally, some private schools may require the CSS Profile, another financial aid form, which schools will communicate directly to applicants.

Counselors emphasized the necessity of understanding and complying with the various steps involved in the college application process. Students were advised to use the Common Application platform whenever possible, as it facilitates the electronic submission of documents. However, it was noted that some colleges, such as Georgetown and MIT, have their own application processes. The importance of correctly completing the Common Application, especially the educational information section, was highlighted to avoid common pitfalls.

A critical component of the application process discussed was the submission of teacher recommendations. Students are required to request these through Naviance, an essential tool for managing college applications. The platform allows students to select specific teachers for recommendations tailored to each college’s unique requirements. For example, engineering programs may prioritize recommendations from math teachers. A detailed explanation was provided on how students must complete surveys that offer insights into their extracurricular activities and personal traits, which assist teachers and counselors in writing comprehensive recommendations.

The meeting also addressed the timeline for requesting transcripts, which is now mandatory. Students must submit transcript requests at least three weeks before application deadlines to ensure timely processing. This process involves filling out a request form and specifying the type of transcript needed—initial, midyear, or final. Students were reminded that test scores should be sent through the College Board or ACT services, as these scores are considered the students’ property. The merging of Naviance and Common App accounts was stressed, as discrepancies between the two platforms could hinder the proper submission of application materials.

Another topic was the various admission plans available to students, such as early decision, regular decision, and early action. The binding nature of early decision applications was explained, requiring students and their parents to commit to an institution if accepted. This necessitates careful consideration of financial implications and other offers. Counselors advised students to have thorough discussions with their families and counselors before pursuing early decision options.

The importance of clear and proactive communication was underscored throughout the meeting. Students were encouraged to regularly check their emails to avoid missing updates and deadlines. Miscommunication can lead to delays in the processing of applications, as illustrated by an example where a student named Brooke faced issues due to incomplete documentation.

The school board also discussed the trend of self-reported academic records (SRAR), where students input their grades directly into a college’s portal, bypassing the need for an official high school transcript. This method, used by institutions like Rutgers and Pitt, aims to streamline the application process. However, students must ensure accuracy, as colleges still require high schools to send final transcripts upon admission.

Standardized testing policies were another focal point, with an acknowledgment of the shift back toward requiring SAT and ACT scores after a period of test-optional policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students were advised to review each college’s testing requirements carefully and consult with school counselors for guidance.

The meeting concluded with an overview of upcoming events designed to support students in their college application journey. These include the arrival of college admission representatives at the school starting September 16th, and a college fair scheduled for October 15th at High School North, featuring over 120 colleges. These events are critical opportunities for students to engage with colleges and gather valuable information.