Senior Timeline

SENIOR TIMELINE

September

·            Watch out for senioritis!!

-Continue to take a full course load of college-prep courses & keep those grades up!

·           Keep your counselor posted

-Your counselor plays a big role in helping you get into college. Meet to talk about your college/career/military plans, review your transcript, and make sure you are meeting graduation requirements.

·           Take THE Test

-In early September, register for the SAT and/or ACT. Colleges like to see senior year SAT and/or ACT scores. Check with   your counselor for upcoming dates/deadlines to register.

·            Write Essays

-Write essays that focus on your experiences and make you stand out from the crowd. (PROOFREAD!!)

·           Create & Update your Resume

-Add to your list of accomplishments, involvements, & work experiences.

-Be sure to include your senior year activities.

-Your resume will help you complete your college and scholarship applications & essays.

·       Narrow Your Choices

-Select 3-5 schools to apply to-your “dream” school, your ”safety” school, & 2-3 other choices.

-Look up information about colleges:

                *Application deadlines *Specific information on scholarships *Cost of attendance

·       Complete “Early Decision” Applications

-Deadlines are usually in October or November                         

-Prepare your online college applications for NC schools on www.cfnc.org (See your counselor for account information)

-Answer by December/January-none binding in NC check other states

·       Add dates/deadlines for admission, financial aid, & scholarships to your school planner

·       Athletes with offers to play in college need to register & send transcripts to NCAA Eligibility Center for verification at www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org/ & create an account with Parchment to send your high school transcripts.

October

·           Get letters of recommendation to use with college and scholarship applications.

-Ask your counselor, teachers, and coaches or employers for letters of recommendation.

-Give them plenty of time to meet your deadlines and make sure to provide them with stamped/addressed envelopes.

·       Take SAT & ACT tests. Make sure your scores are sent to each of your colleges.

November

·           Submit college applications on time

Applications are not “complete” until:

-Application & fee (if applicable) is submitted

-Transcripts received

-SAT/ACT scores sent

·          Male students must register for selective service on your 18th birthday to be eligible for federal and state financial aid. (You can register on the FAFSA application if you forget.)

-Apply for scholarships, both local and national by deadlines. Check school website (now until end of year)

December

·           Wrap up college applications before winter break.

-Make copies of everything before you send it & keep it in a safe place.

·           Early decision application responses should begin to arrive this month.

January

·            Work on FAFSA (financial aid)

-Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online or through a workshop

-FAFSA available beginning Jan. 1. Will need last year’s tax returns to complete.

·          Most regular college admission applications are due between January 1 & February 15.

February

·           Work on Financial Aid Applications. Apply Early. Apply Right.

-Priority deadline for financial aid is February.

-To get the most attractive award package, complete by priority deadline & keep copies of everything!

-Begin looking for local scholarship forms outside Mrs. Graham’s office-listen to the announcements

March

·          Some admissions decisions/financial aid information will arrive

April

·          Most admissions decisions/financial aid award letters will arrive this month

-Read everything you receive carefully-may require action on your part

-Compare your aid awards from different colleges with the cost of attendance

·          Make your decision

-Pick the college you want to attend. Mail the enrollment form & deposit check by 5/1.

-Notify each school you did not choose in writing so that your spot can be freed up for another student.

May

·          Do well on your exams. College acceptance offers depend on your final grades.

June

·           Ask your counselor to send your final transcript to your college choice.

·       If you plan on competing in Division I or II college sports, have your counselor send your final transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center.