College admissions calendar for seniors

When I helped start this blog, I had the notion I would be describing our actual experiences as my family went through the college admission process. Of course, I kind of forgot that that would mean publicly discussing a lot of personal details about my child and our family, which doesn't work for all of us. So that concept has been truncated somewhat. There are things I wish I could share, but I just can't.

So I'll just note that Oct. 1-Nov. 30 is the magic period for applying to California State University campuses. It's Nov. 1-30 for UC's . My senior is currently applying to two CSU campuses — the ones known for the top jazz studies programs, Northridge and Long Beach. It was like pulling teeth, but we have filed those applications (go to www.csumentor.com). He is currently not planning to apply to any UC's, though there's a brief window to change his mind.

The CSU applications don't require an essay or recommendations, so the only legwork needed is acquiring a transcript so as to enter the grades accurately. In fact, there IS no place on the application to describe an extenuating or unusual circumstance. (For example, at my son's school, San Francisco School of the Arts, students are required to take 10 units — double credits — in their arts discipline every semester. On the CSU form, the school counselor told us, that means listing Band (in our case) under arts and again under electives — but this needs to be explained somehow. I called the admissions offices and faxed an explanation of that and a couple of other things.

Newsweek puts out a publication every year, "How to Get Into College." (I bought a copy at the Lucky on Sloat in San Francisco.) The 2009 version has a useful checklist: The Ultimate Planning Calendar. With full credit to the publication, I'm excerpting the October items that are still relevant, and quoting most of the November items:

October:
Check out www.commonapp.org to see which colleges accept the Common Application.

Start contacting financial aid offices and discuss aid options with your college counselor.

Many colleges use data from CSS/Financial Aid Profile to provide nonfederal financial aid. Begin applying online at https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/index.jsp

Finish a draft of your essay.

Some Early Decision or Early Action deadlines were Nov. 1, so that's past, but some are Nov. 15 — heads up.

November

Time to start preparing if you're taking the Jan. 24 SAT or SAT Subject Tests. Make sure colleges will accept those scores.

Follow up with your teachers and coaches to ensure that recommendations are sent in on time.

Mail applications for colleges with "rolling" deadlines ASAP.

Continue polishing your college essay. Make sure to proofread!

For those taking SAT Subject Tests, remember that Language Tests With Listening are offered in November only.

It's not too late for campus visits. Check to see if any nearby colleges are in session.

Nov. 5: Registration deadline for Dec. 6 SAT and SAT Subject Tests.

Nov. 7: Registration deadline for Dec. 13 ACT.

Nov. 18: Late-registration deadline for Dec. 6 SAT and SAT Subject Tests.

Nov. 20: Late-registration deadline for Dec. 13 ACT.