by Are you a senior at JB High School feeling overwhelmed by college applications? You’re not alone—and you’re in luck. Ms. Amy Violante, our dedicated College Advisor, along with the enthusiastic College Ambassador team, is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Simplifying the Process
College applications and essays can be confusing, but even a little help can go a long way. Whether it’s understanding deadlines, writing standout essays, or choosing the right schools, support is available.
Ms. Violante shared her top five college application tips:
- Know your deadlines.
- Complete all optional components.
- Show genuine interest in schools you’re applying to.
- Apply to a balanced list of colleges.
- Use the Common App if it fits your needs.
Reflecting on her own experience, Violante says she enjoyed the college application process but wishes she had known more about financial aid options at the time. “Had I applied to or been accepted to more colleges, I may have had another great option that would have been a better financial fit,” she shared.
Mark Your Calendar: Application Day – November 6
To support seniors, the school is hosting a College Application Day on November 6. It’s a perfect opportunity to complete applications and get your questions answered by Ms. Violante and the College Ambassador team.
Apply Broadly, Apply Wisely
Senior and College Ambassador Maddie Hissong encourages students to cast a wide net when applying to colleges.
“It’s good to apply to five or more colleges,” says Hissong.
Applying to a mix of schools ensures you have strong options:
- Reach Schools: A bit of a stretch but worth the try.
- Likely Schools: Schools you’re confident you’ll get into.
- Safety Schools: Solid choices where acceptance is highly probable—and aligned with your major.
Don’t Overlook Financial Aid
“The most important part of applying for college might be applying for financial aid,” says Violante. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential. Even if you think you won’t qualify, filling it out is a must—each college has its own FAFSA deadline, so check carefully.
“Fill out your FAFSA,” Hissong adds. Simple advice, big impact.
Support Every Step of the Way
College planning may feel intimidating, but you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re stuck on an essay or have questions about FAFSA, Ms. Violante and the College Ambassador team are ready to help. Take advantage of the resources around you and make the most of this exciting journey.
