Applying for College – What Seniors Need to Know

by Noelle Dimelfi, staff reporter

As the month of October, the season of fall, and the holiday season comes up, so do the deadlines for college applications. It’s suggested that seniors now drop whatever they’re doing, whether it be Candy Crush or calculus homework, and begin the application process.

On Wednesday, September 25th, guidance counselor Vincent Lumetta held a college  meeting in order to address all of the aspects that are involved in this process. He went over topics such as graduation, scholarships, senior dues, the prom, the senior trip, the senior breakfast, the senior awards night, and open lunch.

He was very adamant about the CUNY applications, and stated that they should be completed as soon as possible.  By completing the CUNY applications by the end of October, seniors will be able to guarantee themselves a spot in at least one school.

“The CUNYs are your back-up schools, so come September, you’ll be sitting in a school no matter what. Maybe not a school you like, but a school,” Lumetta said.

This conference was important not only for seniors, but also for their parents. Parents are largely involved in the application process, and therefore, need to be just as informed as their children.

“It’s important for parents to attend college meetings, not only to gain information, but also to show support for their child,” parent Tanya Gaitanis said.

The workshop was vital due to its clarification of the application process, and the calming of nerves of many students. Although seniors may have a long way to go until college acceptance letters come out, they are now less likely to make a mistake while applying for a school.

“The college meeting helped me make informed decisions and choose a school that suits me,” senior Salvatore Pitino said.

It was also announced that in order to get the proper recommendation letters and help that seniors need to college, they should hand in the following to Mr. Lumetta:

-A list of colleges they are interested in
-Notification of the due dates of these applications
-Copy of the applications
-A counselor recommendation form
-A list of the teachers they’re asking for applications from
-An academic resume
-A personal statement
-A stamped envelope for each college the student is applying to.