November College Checklist for Seniors This week, The Choice is publishing our monthly Counselor's Calendar, which is designed to keep students on track during the college admissions process. This installment focuses on seniors. Juniors, your November checklist will be published on Tuesday. We've asked Darnell Heywood and Jen FitzPatrick, the director and associate director of college counseling at Columbus Academy in Gahanna, Ohio, for admissions advice for the class of 2013. - Tanya Abrams Seniors often need to brace themselves for Thanksgiving dinner because Uncle Johnny, Aunt Sally and cousin Timmy will all ask the same question as they pass the mashed potatoes: "So, where are you going to college next year?" In our experience, this is the last question seniors want to hear. They want a break. They need a break. Many feel vulnerable, as this question has been posed to them hundreds of times over the last three months. If you will be having Thanksgiving dinner with a high school senior this fall, take a pledge that you will be the person who asks about something else -- anything else. That high school senior will turn into a little boy or girl again who just wants to hug you with their eyes. They may be approaching college in six months, but right now, they are still children in high school. Seniors, here is your college admissions checklist for November: Assess Your Progress Toward a Strong Finish Finish your first semester on a strong note in the classroom. Colleges know that you often start your academic career at their institution in the same way you finished at your high school. You should also continue to show teachers and other adults in your life that you make wise choices in and out of school and demonstrate that you are ready for the independence that you will have as a college student. Next, place yourself into one of the following two categories: Not There Yet: You have procrastinated or need more time to prove yourself to colleges, it is important to recognize that college admission is within your reach. In the Waiting Room: You have written and rewritten essays, requested transcripts and teacher recommendations, sent scores and perhaps completed your interviews. Checklist for Seniors Who Are 'Not There Yet' It's not too late, and you're not alone. Students move through this process at different speeds, and there is not one definitive deadline for all colleges. Please note that the only definitive deadlines are for financial aid, and you and your parents must meet these deadlines to qualify for money. If you put yourself in the camp of "not there yet," please follow these basic instructions to complete the process: Take Standardized Tests, Before It's Too Late The initial deadlines for the Dec. 1 SAT and Dec. 8 ACT have passed, but for an extra fee, you can still register for both tests until Nov. 16. Please note that some SAT test dates and deadlines have changed for students in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. Request Supplemental Materials for Your Application Request teacher recommendations and transcripts from your counselor as soon as possible. Most schools require three to four weeks advance notice to process these materials. Complete Your College Applications Nearly 500 colleges and universities accept the Common Application, which students can use to apply to a number of colleges and universities. You may also use your prospective college's online application by going directly to the school's Web site. If you need help paying for applications or standardized test registration fees, ask your school counselor if your family qualifies for fee waivers. Checklist for Seniors 'In the Waiting Room' You have handled the process part of the college application very well, which in so many ways shows that you are ready for the independence you will have next year. Take a moment to celebrate the work you've done. This is a milestone, and you should be proud of yourself. If you've already hit the submit button and applications are out of your hands, this time can be wrought with anxiety as you wait to hear your fate. No matter how much you want to know the answer, you cannot speed up time; you will not know until the college releases their decisions. Some things to consider: Keep Your Options Open It's not too late to make last-minute additions and revisit and reaffirm the choices you've made. Now is the time to make sure you have applied to an appropriate list of colleges that will afford you choice. Prepare Next Steps After Early Decision If you have applied under an early decision plan, use the next three weeks to work on the applications you will file if you are deferred or denied in the early decision round. Do not submit these applications yet (you do not want to pay the fees at this point) but have them ready to go. Do not lose your winter break because of poor planning. Mind the Deadlines Be aware that some colleges use Jan. 1 as a deadline. If Ryan Seacrest is on your television and the ball is dropping in Times Square, it is really too late to be working on these applications. Follow Up With Teachers and Counselors Here's a well-kept secret: teachers and counselors like school vacations, too. Most of them have been working tirelessly all semester to support your application process. Let them know before winter break if you have additional applications you'd like to submit. Now is also a great time to thank your teachers for their support. A kind word or a note goes a long way. You've come so far. You've done so much. You're so close to the finish line, but this process is a journey, perhaps the largest and most important school project you've ever done. Recognize that regardless of the outcome, this process has value in and of itself. You will learn something about yourself along the way that will help prepare you for college. Now pass the pumpkin pie. This post was prepared in consultation with the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools, a membership organization.