12th Grade
Info courtesy of KHEAA
Click here for a printable version of this information.
August/September
Meet with your counselor to make sure you’re on track to meet graduation and admissions requirements.
Keep doing your best in your classes.
Narrow your list of schools and request admissions information from each.
Check out the catalog from each school you’re interested in. Most catalogs are online, or you can ask the school to send you one.
Request your personalized Getting the Facts – Your Personalized College Guide online through your MyKHEAA account.
Most early decision or early action admission deadlines are in October and November.
Create a college access calendar to track:
Test dates, fees and deadlines.
College application due dates.
Financial aid applications and deadlines.
Deadlines for requesting recommendation letters, transcripts and other necessary material. Ask people at least two weeks before you need them.
Register for the October SAT and/or ACT. You must take the ACT/SAT before you graduate from high school to qualify for a KEES bonus award.
Go to https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm to set up a Federal Student Aid ID and password.
October
Gather the information you need to file the FAFSA. The opening date used to be October 1st but FAFSA is getting an overhaul this year and won't open until probably December. The best way to file is online at www.fafsa.gov.
Begin writing admissions essays. Ask a teacher or counselor to review and provide feedback.
Attend college fairs, visit colleges, and meet with admission representatives.
Request recommendations from teachers, employers, and counselors. Give each person your resume; a stamped, addressed envelope; and any required forms
Apply for early decision if that’s your plan. Keep copies of everything you send.
November
Use Affording Higher Education and the Scholarship Search link on www.kheaa.com to find scholarships. Apply for all scholarships for which you are eligible.
Complete any college essays you have to submit. Have a teacher or parent proofread for mistakes.
Make a list of your top choices and begin preparing applications.
December
Get your recommendation letters from your references and send them thank-you notes.
Finish and submit your college applications. Keep copies of everything you send.
Have your high school send transcripts to the colleges you selected.
January
If you’re accepted for early decision, withdraw applications to other schools.
Complete any additional financial aid applications required by schools. Keep copies of everything you send.
Contact colleges to make sure they received your application.
Submit mid-year grade reports to schools that require them.
February
Register for the May SAT or April ACT. This may be your LAST CHANCE to earn your full KEES scholarship award.
Review college acceptance letters and compare financial aid offers.
March
Make your final choice. Send acceptance letters, any other documents and deposits to the school you chose.
Notify the schools you won’t be attending.
Request course descriptions and schedules from the school you have selected.
Review your Student Aid Report, which will tell you how much your family is expected to pay for your education. If any information is incorrect, make corrections online at www.fafsa.gov
If selected for financial aid verification, provide documents to the college.
April
Confirm housing arrangements and send in any required deposits.
Take AP exams.
May
Submit scholarship acceptance forms.
Make sure you’ve returned all financial aid award notices.
Plan to attend freshman orientation and registration.
June
Make sure your final high school transcript is sent to the school you’ll attend.
Consider getting a summer job to help you pay some of your expenses.
Send thank-you notes to anyone who helped you during the application process.
July
Make a list of what you’ll need to take with you.
If you haven’t met your roommate, take time to get acquainted.
Check your school’s social media websites to connect with other students.
August
Make sure you have your housing documentation when you move into the dorm.
Review a campus map. Learn how to get around at your new school.
Buy your books and supplies after the first class meeting.
Work hard in your classes so your college career will be a success.