Counseling Corner: Addison Trail Guidance Department offers advice regarding the college application process

As senior students continue with the college application process, the Addison Trail Guidance Department offers the following advice.

• Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) are generally different application plans. Make sure you read and understand all of the instructions before submitting your application. According to College Board, “ED plans are binding – a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college. EA plans are nonbinding – students receive an early response to their application, but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1.” For more information, go to http://tinyurl.com/hky6vqe.
• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the 2017-18 school year is now available. That form can be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Seniors who plan to attend college in fall 2017 should complete the FAFSA with their parents/guardians as soon as possible to ensure eligible monies are available.

Students who have questions or need help completing an application should see their counselor for assistance.

ACT and SAT exams
Many juniors and their parents have been asking about ACT and SAT exams. Historically, the ACT was completed in the Midwest and submitted with applications to colleges/universities in that area. The SAT was used for applications to schools on the East Coast and the West Coast. However, the current testing trend is schools throughout the country will accept either exam.

This past July, the Illinois State Board of Education announced it will provide the SAT exam, including a writing component, at no cost to all public high school juniors during the 2016-17 school year. This means Illinois high schools will transition from the ACT to the SAT as the state assessment. For more information about assessments at District 88, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/20.