Senior College Cover Sheet
College & Career Counseling Department
Senior Year Family Planning Resource • Class of 2027
Academic Year 2026–2027
Senior Parent College Guide
Navigating Applications, Financial Aid, and Next Steps for Your Student’s Future
Student Name
Assigned Counselor
Student Target Deadlines
Packet Contents & Overview
1
Applying for College
Pages 1–8
Free Application Days & Fee Waivers Priority Save
Statewide qualifying dates, waiver application codes, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step submission instructions to eliminate application fees.
Senior Admissions Timeline
Month-by-month checklist from September to National Decision Day (May 1).
Portals & Platforms
Guidance for Common App, Coalition, and direct state university admissions systems.
Transcripts & Recommendations
How to request official school transcripts and counselor/teacher recommendation letters.
Essays & Personal Statements
Editing tips, essay prompt breakdown, and supplemental statement guidelines.
2
Financial Aid & Funding
Pages 9–16
FAFSA & FSA ID Setup
Creating student & parent FSA IDs, tax document prep, and online submission guide.
Scholarships (Local & National)
District scholarship bank, merit awards, essay criteria, and reputable search engines.
Grants vs. Loans Breakdown
Understanding need-based federal/state grants versus subsidized & unsubsidized student loans.
Financial Aid Deadlines
Priority submission targets, state cutoff dates, and award package review schedules.
Need assistance? Schedule a family consultation through the Counseling Office portal.
Counseling Office • Room 104