Senior Year


College Applications: Getting Started
  1. Make an appointment with Mrs. Alexander to talk about college during the summer.
  2. Finalize list of colleges of interest.
  3. Decide which application(s) will be used; if more than one type is allowed (options include: Common Application, Coalition App, the college's own application).
  4. View more information on applications here.

Colleges offering more than one option do NOT give preference to one option over another. Create your account, recording usernames and passwords accurately.

  1. Find out if the college requires teacher recommendations. If it does not, then do not request one from a teacher.
  2. If a college of interest does require a teacher recommendation (or more), secure teachers to write them. Email them using Naviance's invitation, and then follow up with a personal visit and a completed Teacher Rec form.
Transcripts will be submitted electronically through Naviance, unless a college does not participate. In that event, transcripts will be mailed from our registrar's office. All Louisiana schools are able to retrieve transcripts from the online state system after receiving students' applications.

Financial Aid/Scholarships
  1. Research available scholarships in Naviance, scholarship service websites and general online searches.
  2. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed as soon after October 1 as possible. The FAFSA is also the TOPS application and the form for determining any federal grant money or loan options available. Apply here.
  3. A CSS Profile might be required from colleges for help in determining financial need. Click here to see the list of participating schools as well as how to register and complete the form.
  4. Review essay prompts (when possible and if applicable), read them carefully and decide which one to choose.
College Information
  1. Check the school calendar for potential college visit opportunities (fall break, faculty in-service, various holidays, etc.). If students visit on a school day, the Office of Admission at the college(s) will issue a form or excuse verifying your visit. Bring that form to Loyola’s main office to receive an admit form. Two visit days are permitted, but sometimes additional visits can be arranged.
  2. Visiting a college is the only way to find out impressions of a college and get a feeling for the school. The more colleges visited, the more general knowledge there will be about college.
  3. College representative visits to Loyola are posted in Naviance.
Standardized Testing
The Counseling Department recommends that you plan your testing schedule carefully.
  1. Most colleges accept the SAT or ACT (with writing) and many may recommend (or require) two or three SAT subject tests (different subject of choice).
  2. Register for SAT and/or ACT tests.
  3. Take SAT/ACT. (More specific information about test dates may be found here.)


  1. Make sure all test scores have been sent to all colleges of interest and applications and supporting documents are complete.
  2. If required, call admissions offices to arrange an interview.

  1. Read all acceptances and conditions of acceptance carefully.
  2. Read especially carefully financial assistance offers from each college; compare grants, loans, etc.
  3. Have all information in hand before making any decisions.
  4. Watch the mail/email for registration and orientation information.
  5. Write thank you notes for any scholarships received; even ones not accepted.
  6. May 1 is the National Candidate Reply date. Inform the college of choice of decision; including those you decline (especially if they offered scholarships).
  7. Complete Graduation Survey on Naviance
  8. If during the summer after graduation a student changes college choice, it is imperative to inform the Loyola registrar.