What Can You Do Now?

Did you know? By 2020, 70% of all jobs in Colorado will require education beyond high school.

  • 26% will require a high school diploma or less

  • 32% will require some college, an associate's degree or certificate

  • 29% will require a bachelor's degree

  • 12% will require a master's degree of better

Source: Georgetown University, Job Growth and Education Requirements, 2013. Retrieved from the Colorado Department of Education

Below is a guideline from College Board, that can help you explore post secondary options in high school, and make you better prepared for post secondary planning. In addition to this guide, make sure to schedule an appointment with your College and Career Center Advisor for an individualized plan.


Senior Year Timeline

All Year

  • Talk to your counselors

    • Discuss your college application plan & strategy

    • Request a fee waiver for application or test fees, if eligible.

  • Plan to visit as many of the colleges on your list as possible

    • Especially if they have special open house weekends

    • If you cannot visit in person:

      • Contact admissions

      • Go on a virtual tour

      • Meet college reps at high schools’ visits, college fairs & info sessions

      • Visit college websites, create accounts and visit the app portal often

All of this demonstrates interest

  • Study regularly for the ACT/SAT (Please note that the state of Colorado is Test Optional)

  • Search & apply for scholarships for which you are eligible

Fall

August and September

  • Finalize your application essay

    • Get feedback, but keep your voice

  • Visit Schools since classes are going on & students/professors are around

    • You may even be able to sit in on a class or two

  • Ask your letter writers for recommendations if you have not already done so

    • Complete the Letter of Rec Profile to give to your letter writer ASAP

      • Be as specific as possible & highlight the most important details

      • Meet with them! There is no substitute for a quality chat/interview

      • Emphasize the importance of a high-quality letter

        • Say it’s okay to decline if they’re too busy to write a great letter

  • Prepare your early applications (if applicable)

  • Register for the October ACT/SAT (if appropriate)

October

  • FAFSA opens October 1st

    • The earlier you submit, the greater chance you will receive the aid you need

    • Check out the Financial Aid page to find more information on FAFSA and CSS Profile

  • CSS Profile (if necessary)

  • Take the October SAT/ACT (if appropriate)

  • Ask your letter writers for recommendations if you have not already done so

    • Complete the Letter of Rec Profile to give to your letter writer ASAP

  • Work towards completing all applications well before the due date

    • The earlier you submit, the better your chances are of getting aid

November

  • Find institutional scholarships at your chosen schools that require applications

    • Scout your school's financial aid web-pages for scholarships

    • Make sure to apply to all of those you qualify for, the earlier the better

Winter

December

  • Final chance to take the SAT/ACT for most regular decision applicants

  • Wrap up college applications

January and February

  • All your applications should be submitted

  • Ramp up your scholarship application efforts (thru the remainder of the year)

    • This should now become your part-time job

  • Keep your grades up & don’t drop/fail classes: Acceptances can be rescinded

Spring

March and April

  • Regular admission applicants receive admission & your financial aid decisions

    • Consider negotiating/appealing financial aid award if the offer is too low

    • Meet with your counselor or college advisor to discuss financial aid award letter

  • Compare acceptances & financial aid awards to help make your decision

  • Be sure to complete all required paperwork by the appropriate deadlines

    • Acceptance letters & housing/tuition deposits are due by May 1st

    • Do not submit these before speaking with us

  • Inform every college of your decision by May 1

  • Keep your grades up and do not drop classes: acceptances can be rescinded

  • Find institutional scholarships at your chosen schools that require applications

    • Scout your school's financial aid web-pages for scholarships

    • Make sure to apply to all of those you qualify for, the earlier the better

May

  • Take AP & IB tests to earn some additional college credit

    • This may allow you to opt out of introductory gen ed. requirements

  • Contact your future roommate by phone, email or social media

  • Plan ahead for course registration and orientation

    • Take your time to review the course catalog to find the right classes for you

    • As a general rule, do not take less than 15 credits each semester

    • Prepare for culture shock and academic challenges in college

  • Get your financial affairs in order

    • Communicate with your family about college expenses