The next round of college application deadlines is right around the corner and students are encouraged to schedule meetings with either Karen or Brennan to make sure they are on track with their post-secondary planning and for University of California and Cal State December 2nd deadlines, and regular decision deadlines December 1, 2 and beyond. Students are not allowed to miss class to meet with their Post-Secondary Counselor. If there is not an appointment slot that fits your schedule, email Karen or Brennan directly and they will find room for you. Keep in mind that the Post-Secondary Counseling office is closed during Thanksgiving break, so please plan ahead so that we can support you. We highly recommend that students submit their Cal State and UC applications the week of Nov 18 (ie before Thanksgiving). Susanne will be processing applications over the break.
Keeping Scoir Updated: After an application has been submitted, it is extremely important that students log into Scoir and move the college into the "Applied" column. Doing so allows Susanne to release the transcript and recommendations. Susanne cannot submit supporting documents until Scoir has been updated. Also please update Scoir when you hear decisions from schools.
Application Portals/Missing Materials: After a student has applied to a college/university, it is essential that they follow directions to set up their application portal. Schools will be communicating via the portal about additional deadlines and other "to-dos". For example, some schools require applicants to complete the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). Please be aware that it may take a bit of time for your initial materials to be processed and reflected in the portal. Don't worry, if you have moved a school into the "Applied" column in Scoir, we have sent your transcript and recommendations.
CSS Profile & Financial Aid: Please be aware that some colleges require the CSS Profile to award non-federal aid packages (ie scholarships and grants awarded by the institution). The CSS Profile is often due when the application itself is due or shortly thereafter, so please check this list of schools that require the CSS Profile.
FAFSA: The 2025/26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is scheduled to open on December 1st and we encourage all families to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible. Here are some tips for what you can be doing while you're waiting for FAFSA to open. Please remember to complete the **2025/26 FAFSA application **(not 2024/25). Colorado Mountain College is offering free, 1:1 FAFSA completion support for Aspen High School families. Click here to schedule an appointment.
Mid-Year Grades: In late January, at the conclusion of the first semester, we will automatically send your updated transcript to any/all of the schools to which you have already applied. If you applied under an Early Decision/Restrictive Early Action (ED/REA) program, the school may ask for mid-term grades. ED/REA applicants should see Susanne (smorrison@aspenk12.net) if they are unsure of what is needed.
Test Scores: For students who are submitting test scores to colleges, be sure confirm with each of your schools whether self-reported scores are accepted or if an offical score report is required. Official score reports are ordered by the student via collegeboard.org or act.org and should be ordered two weeks prior to the application deadline. AHS cannot order score reports for students.
Of course, not every student will be pursuing a traditional four-year degree. If this is the case for your child, please ask them to reach out to Karen (khawkes@aspenk12.net) (A-K) or Brennan (bdignan@aspenk12.net) (L-M) so that we can start putting together a plan based on their interests.
- Karen, Brennan and Susanne
