In the fall, college representatives visit CCA to meet with interested juniors and seniors. Sophomores are also welcome to sit in on general presentations to get a feel for the variety of college options available. Seniors meet individually at least once a month during the fall trimester with their college counselor to review their progress. Any remaining college visits and interviews should be scheduled during breaks, holidays, and vacation periods so as not to conflict with academic work during the very-important first trimester.
Seniors have two days off from school during the fall trimester to complete college visits. All seniors are encouraged to complete at least one Early Decision (binding) or Early Action (non-binding) application in order to avail themselves of the many advantages of early applications. These deadlines fall as early as November 1st. Seniors should complete their submission of final college applications by the end of the fall trimester, but they can begin submitting them in September after reviewing their final applications with their CCA counselor. Parents should file financial aid forms as soon as possible after the forms open up online, which is usually on October 1st.
Before the CCA Winter Break, most students will have received an answer from colleges about their early applications. Answers to regular applications will come in throughout March. Students make their choice and pay the deposit at one college by May 1st. Our work at this time includes helping to plan visits to schools where a student has been admitted and offering assistance with wait lists and financial aid.
Throughout the junior and senior years, we encourage parents/guardians to stay in close communication with us, particularly in the senior year. Most parents/guardians meet with their student’s counselor in an individual-family session at least once in the spring of the junior year, the fall of the senior year and the spring of the senior year. More meetings can be scheduled at any time, and phone calls and emails are always welcome! Parents/Guardians of 9th and 10th graders are also welcome in the CCA College Office whenever they have questions or concerns.