College Counseling Update for Seniors & Families | September-October 2018
What Are Seniors Working on Now?

  1. Weekly one-on-one meetings with Ms. Hatch Blauvelt or Ms. Virden.
  2. Finalizing their college list (See February's newsletter for more about lists).
  3. Keeping their Common Application and Naviance Family Connection lists up-to-date and matched.
  4. Finishing all standardized testing.
  5. Connecting with their faculty recommendation letter writers to follow up on requests for extra information or conversation.
  6. Meeting with College Representatives visiting Miss Hall's this fall (See a list of schools here).
  7. Completing their main personal statement essay and any additional supplemental writing per each college's requirements.
  8. Getting application materials for schools organized based on what each school needs (See an example of an information checklist to research items).
  9. Deciding whether to apply this fall as Early Decision (a binding application to one school only, usually due Nov 1 - Dec 1), Early Action (a non-binding application to any school that accepts Early Action, usually between Nov 1 - Dec 15), or in 2019 as Regular Decision (non-binding, due dates range January 1 - March 1). All school deadlines are different and should be triple-checked with each individual institution.


Comprehensive Senior Year College Timeline

Click here to see the detailed timeline of all the topics we are reviewing with seniors, including financial aid resources, interview tips, essay writing, and more.
Miss Hall's School will host an information session on financial aid and scholarships at 6:00pm on Tuesday, October 9, in partnership with Berkshire County and MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) Financial Aid Nights Program.

This event is open to the Pittsfield community as well as Miss Hall's students and families. It will include a brief overview of the college financial aid process, allow for audience questions, and leave time for one-on-one assistance if desired. Students and families are encouraged to bring a laptop if possible. A recording is planned for families who cannot attend. 
General Financial Aid Information

October 1 marks the beginning of the financial aid application season - it's not a due date! It is the first day families can begin filling out the two main financial aid applications for colleges:



Ms. Hatch Blauvelt can draw on her 10-year career in college financial aid to help both U.S. and International students and families apply for and understand financial aid. She created comprehensive information sheets with instructions, tips, and links to help navigate the process.





You can email me at [email protected]