June 1, 2026 Colleen Hanson
Spring/Summer Before Graduation Year
Make the Most of Your Summer
This might be a job, internship, enrichment course, or summer camp. Most 4-year colleges offer enrichment programs on campus for high school students. This is a great way to experience a college campus and to demonstrate interest.
Understand When to Apply to a 4-Year College(s)
NOTE: YOU WILL APPLY AS FIRST YEAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT NOT A TRANSFER STUDENT!
You will apply during the Fall semester, 1 year before you plan to attend the 4-year college. In some cases, students who are graduating from WTMC in December will apply in the Fall semester for admission in the following Semester (Winter Start (not available at most 4-year colleges).
Get Organized For the College Application Process!
Start a “college application spreadsheet” with the following:
- A Target College List:
This can be a longer list that you’ll shorten later. Make sure to include a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. This means you will research how likely you are to be admitted with the information on a school’s website (average GPA, test scores of admitted students ect.) - College Affordability:
Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator or check out financial aid information on each college’s website. Each college will have a “Net Price Calculator” on their website. - Application System You Will Use To Apply:
Will you apply using the “Common Application” system OR a college's specific electronic system?- If using the “Common Application” system review this toolkit: First-year toolkit
- Also review the “Common Application Guide for First -Year Students”
- The Common Application releases the new application each year after August 1. To create your account YOU MUST WAIT until the new application is released after August 1. A step by step guide to getting started.
- College Application Deadlines:
It is recommended that you meet the “Early Action Deadline” for the colleges you are applying to (this is typically November 1). Some colleges may offer earlier deadlines for specific programs and scholarships, or Early Decision Agreements. Make sure you read all of the details regarding these deadlines on the college’s website. - Letters of Recommendation:
Most schools require 1-2 teacher LORs and a recommendation from your School Counselor - Ms. Colleen Hanson) some allow more. Talk to your recommenders EARLY and give them a “Common Application Brag Sheet” or “Resume” with ample time to draft their letter for your Fall applications. - Test Score Required?
Many 4- Colleges are still “Test-Optional” meaning it is your decision to send either an SAT or ACT test score. There are pros and cons to this decision, it is a great question to ask a college admissions representative on the college visit or information session you attend! - College Essay Requirements:
If you are planning to use the “Common Application” system there is at least one essay question you will complete and it does not change from year to year. Colleges may have additional essay questions and they may release these in the summer, check their websites!
Visit/Tour Potential Colleges and Attend Information Sessions
Call the admissions office (or go on the website) to set up an “official” college visit. This way they can offer a tour and document your demonstrated interest. Many colleges now offer virtual tours and online information sessions.
Draft Your Main College Essay(s)
The college essay topics rarely change from year to year. Look up last year’s essay question(s) and aim to have your first draft ready before senior year starts.
Take/Retake the ACT/SAT (if applicable)
If you’re unhappy with your scores (SAT) you can visit the CollegeBoard website and register to take the SAT again (at your own cost). You can also attempt the ACT (register on your own, at your own cost via the ACT website. Khan Academy is a valuable, free test prep website to prepare for these tests. Limited fee waivers are available by emailing Ms. Pause ([email protected]).
Get ready for the FAFSA®
(the Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- You will complete the FAFSA form on FAFSA.gov one year prior to the academic year you are requesting financial aid for college, and every subsequent year that you are in college.
- Although the “Official” FAFSA form is not released each year until October 1 of every year you can create your FSA ID (that is, your username and password) ahead of time. The State of Michigan deadline for the FAFSA form is May 1 each year. The sooner you submit the FAFSA, the better!
- You can also begin gathering other documents you need, like your parents’ tax returns.
- The University of Michigan Ann Arbor requires the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA form. See their financial aid website for more information.
- Watch a free webinar about completing and submitting the FAFSA and searching for scholarships - See information on the “3rd Year Seminar Course” under “Financial Aid for College” and under “Announcements.
Fall of Graduation Year
Review and complete ALL assignments in the 3rd Year Seminar Course on Canvas!
Also check the “Announcements” section frequently throughout the school year.
Review the “Credit Review/Graduation Audit”
Ms. Hanson shares with you (as a google sheet) to make sure you have everything you need to graduate!
Work on your college applications
(Nov. 1 target submission date for most schools) and add Ms. Hanson as your “Counselor” on the Common Application (if you are using it) - Read the directions in the 3rd Year Seminar Course for how to do this.
Order WTMC and WCC “Official Transcripts”
Read the directions in the 3rd Year Seminar Course for how to do this.
Sign up to retake the SAT/ACT, SAT (if applicable)
Complete the FAFSA Form and CSS profile
(if required by the college you are applying to, i.e. UM Ann Arbor)
Search for other Scholarship opportunities
More information is available on the 3rd Year Seminar Course.
*Schedule a Meeting with Ms. Hanson if your graduation plans and/or anticipated degree/certificate program have changed
Winter of Your Graduation Year
If not done in the Fall: Complete the FAFSA Form and CSS profile
(if required by the college you are applying to, i.e. UM Ann Arbor)
Continue 4-year college applications and all other items from above if not completed
Search for other Scholarship opportunities
More information is available on the 3rd Year Seminar Course.
*Schedule a Meeting with Ms. Hanson if your graduation plans and/or anticipated degree/certificate program have changed
March-May of Your Graduation Year
Complete the “Graduation Statement Google Form”
On the 3rd Year Seminar Course for your Base Advisor to read at the WTMC Graduation Ceremony.
Complete any required surveys listed on the 3rd Year Seminar Course.
Attend WTMC Graduation practice and purchase cap and gown in the WCC bookstore
More information will be announced in the WTMC Newsletter emailed to you.
Hear back and decide on your college!
Let Ms. Hanson know which college you will attend
So that she can submit your Common Application “Final Report”.
Request your “Final Official” WTMC transcript from Ms. Pause
By emailing her ([email protected]) and telling her what school you have decided to attend. Provide your contact information and college admissions address so she can send your final WTMC transcript with your graduation date listed.
YOU MUST order your “Final Official” WCC transcript
To be sent once your degree is posted to the college you plan to attend. See the WCC Request a Transcript for instructions or see the instructions in the 3rd Year Seminar Course.
Keep up with correspondence from the 4-year college you plan to attend
Meeting deadlines to submit your enrollment deposit, complete your award letter, etc.