Volume V | May 2021
May CCAA Counselor Corner (CCC):
What's Next For Seniors and Juniors?
We hope the fifth edition of the CCAA Counselor Corner (CCC) finds you healthy and well. The May 1 National Candidate Reply Date has come and gone, but we know that doesn't mean your to-do list is any shorter as the end of the school year approaches.

This month's issue is full of resources and information to help you as you walk your seniors and their families through the final few steps of their college search and start the process all over again with your juniors. Continue reading to find a checklist of next steps for seniors, videos to share with juniors who are ready to complete some virtual college visits, and many links and resources that you can share with your students and parents.

Whether you're counting down the days or weeks until the end of the school year, we wish you luck. We know it's been a stressful year for so many, both personally and professionally, but we hope you are able to take a few moments to relax and celebrate all you and your students have accomplished this year!
What's Next For Seniors?
Most of the seniors you work with probably crossed a big item off of their to-do lists on or before this past weekend by making their final college decision. Just because one of the toughest parts of their college search is over, it doesn't mean they're completely finished yet. Now that they've made their choice, they've got some new items to add to their to-do list as they prepare for college in the fall.

Here are some next steps for seniors who have made their final enrollment decision:

  • Submit your enrollment and housing (if applicable) deposit to the one college of your choice.
  • Let all other colleges you've been admitted to know that you won't be attending.
  • If you have been waitlisted to a top choice school and still wish to be considered for admission should a space open up, be sure to submit any waitlist forms, updated transcripts, or other documentation the school may have requested.
  • Set up your student accounts, emails, etc. at your chosen school. Be sure to check your email regularly so you know when placement tests and orientation are, your fall tuition payment is due, and can stay on top of other important requirements.
  • Fill out any electronic forms or return any physical paperwork that may be required to accept any scholarships or financial aid.
  • Join social media groups for accepted students at your school of choice and start to connect with your future classmates.
  • Let your high school counselor know where you'll be enrolling so that they know where to send your final transcript once it is available over the summer.
  • Buy a t-shirt from your new school and celebrate!

Space is Still Available at Many CCAA Member Schools for the Fall
Have a student who is still making plans for the fall semester? Many of our National CCAA member colleges and universities still have space available and are accepting applications for this fall.

You can find information about them on NACAC's College Openings Update list.
What's Next for Juniors?
The end of the school year is near and that means juniors are counting down the days until they're officially seniors. It also means they're starting to knock on your doors -- either in person or virtually -- and are eager to discuss their college search with you. While summer break is traditionally the time that many new seniors plan to spend visiting college campuses around the country, we realize that today's world is full of a lot of uncertainty and all of the changes taking place have had an impact on the way students are able to conduct their college searches and campus visits.

We want to make it easy for students to explore the benefits of Catholic higher education without feeling like they have have to leave the comfort and safety of their own homes. In the spring, we hosted two Catholic Colleges Virtual Programs, each of which featured approximately 60 National CCAA member schools. We recorded each session and are excited to share the recordings with your students and families so they can begin to explore the programs, majors, student life and all that's available on our members' campuses.

These short information sessions presented by our members are designed to provide more information for students who are just starting their college searches. We also included recordings to our "Why Catholic Colleges" sessions, which feature a panel of Catholic college admission professionals and current students discussing the value and benefits of attending a Catholic college and university. We hope you will add these helpful videos to your list of resources for your juniors as a way for them to virtually, and safely, visit a lot of amazing Catholic colleges and universities this summer.
Join Us For Our Upcoming Spring & Summer CCAA Virtual Events
  • Friday, May 7 at 3:00pm ET: Counselor Town Hall. Join members of the CCAA board of directors on Zoom as they address topics of interest to counselors. Registration is required. Space is limited; please register to attend by Thursday, May 6 at 10:00pm ET.
  • Stay tuned for virtual events for transfer students and incoming seniors coming later this summer. More details and registration information coming soon.
Your Opinion Matters
Have you submitted your National CCAA at NACAC Survey yet? 

Your opinion is important to us and we would love your input as we assess how the National CCAA can be present at the NACAC Conference this fall.

If you haven't already done so, please complete your survey by this Friday, May 7.
Know someone who is looking to work in college admissions?
 
Want to work along side others who share the same passion for Catholic higher education at schools with missions grounded in the values of intellectual tradition, social justice and community?

Our National CCAA Members are hiring! Check our job opportunities page regularly for new postings.
If you have any questions or would like to add a counselor colleague to our email list, please contact us at [email protected].  

Additional helpful links, available on our website, which is a great resource for counselors, students and parents:
Helpful Links From Some of Our Member Institutions
For Seniors:

For Juniors:
Follow us for National CCAA Updates

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New Albany, OH 43054 | 614.633.5444
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The National Catholic College Admission Association (The National CCAA) is a nonprofit organization of Catholic colleges and universities committed to promoting the value of Catholic higher education and serving students in the transition to college.