They've sat hunched over their computers for months, written essays that revealed their inner-most thoughts, sought out teachers for recommendations, and sweated through the SAT and ACT. The last application has finally been submitted and they're done. Or are they?

There are still a few steps left for high school seniors to take to make sure they have put forth their best effort in the college admissions process.

1. Keep an eye on your email. Most colleges will send a confirmation email to let you know your application has been received. If you do not receive one within a week of submitting your application, you should contact the school and make sure nothing is missing.

2. Consider an interview. Many schools have representatives in the community who meet and talk with prospective applicants. There is no better way for you to find out more about a college and give them a chance to find out more about you. There is no substitute for meeting a person face-to-face, but sometimes schools will also do a phone interview. If either is possible, you should do it.

3. Get serious about scholarships. Whether you need one or not, who can't use the money to help pay for college? If writing comes easily, consider some scholarships that require an essay. If you have hours of community service, research scholarships that are based on that. Contact the schools that you have applied to and see if they offer any scholarships that require a separate application.

4. Contact the College Board and ACT. Some high schools put test scores on a student's transcript, but most colleges prefer to receive them directly from a testing agency. Request that your test scores be sent to each school. You do not want to delay an admissions decision because your test scores were not received by the college.

5. Keep on studying. Colleges want students to continue to challenge themselves academically and not slack off once they have been accepted to a school. No acceptance is binding until your final grades have been received by the college which you are planning to attend.

6. Don't be in a hurry. Unless you have applied Early Decision, you do not need to make any hasty decisions. Don't choose a college impulsively and for the wrong reasons. Wait until you have heard from every school and are able to compare financial aid and scholarships. Re-evaluate the schools where you are accepted and the positives and negatives of each. You have until May 1st to make your final decision. Use that time to make sure you are choosing the school that is right for you.