12th Grade

Research Application Platforms: Identify the application type required for each school on your list (Common App, Coalition App, or institution-specific portal).
Draft Essays & Resume: Write and refine the first drafts of your personal statement, supplemental essays, and resume; share them with your college counselor for feedback.
Request Recommendations: Ask teachers and your school counselor for letters of recommendation (aim to confirm these before the start of the school year).
Prepare for Testing: Plan remaining SAT/ACT or English proficiency test dates if needed.

Meet with Your Counselor: Schedule your initial senior-year check-in with your college counselor via CIALFO.
Refine Your College List: Narrow your CIALFO longlist down to a balanced shortlist of approximately 15 institutions aligned with your intended course of study.
Set Up the Common App: Create your Common Application account, complete the core profile sections, and sync your account with CIALFO.

Engage with Colleges: Attend virtual and in-person college fairs, and connect with visiting admission representatives at school.
Finalize Your Resume: Polish and publish your final resume using the CIALFO Resume Builder.
Complete English Proficiency Exams: Take required proficiency tests (Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) and arrange for official scores to be sent to your colleges.
Confirm Recommenders: Double-check that your teachers and counselor have the necessary forms and deadlines in CIALFO.

Apply for Financial Aid:
- U.S. Citizens/Eligible Non-Citizens: Complete the FAFSA as soon as the application opens for your cycle.
- All Applicants (if applicable): Submit the CSS Profile via College Board for institutions that require it.
Submit Early Applications: Finalize and submit applications with Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) deadlines (typically November 1st).
Verify Application Materials: Meet with your college counselor to confirm that transcripts, recommendations, and supporting documents have been sent.
Track Applicant Portals: Set up and monitor individual college admission portals to confirm that all required materials have been received.
Research Scholarships: Contact university financial aid offices and explore external scholarship opportunities.

Monitor Application Status: Regularly check college student portals and email accounts for status updates or requests for additional information.
Prepare for Regular Decision: Continue drafting supplemental essays and finalize your list for Regular Decision (RD) applications.
Complete Final Testing: Take any final SAT, ACT, or language proficiency exams needed for Regular Decision schools.

Submit Regular Decision Applications: Complete and submit all remaining applications ahead of January deadlines.
Send Mid-Year Grades: Ensure your counselor submits your mid-year transcript to colleges that require it.

Review Admission Decisions:
- Acceptances: Celebrate your offers!
- Deferrals, Denials, or Waitlists: Schedule a meeting with your college counselor to discuss next steps, appeal processes, or waitlist strategies (e.g., submitting a Letter of Continued Interest).
Compare Financial Aid & Scholarships: Review award letters carefully and discuss enrollment options and costs with your parents.
Share Your News: Update your college counselor on all admission decisions and scholarship awards.

Commit by May 1st: Make your final decision, submit your enrollment deposit, and register for new student orientation.
Request Final Transcripts: Confirm with your counselor that your final high school transcript will be sent to your chosen institution.
Send AP Scores: Request official AP score reports from College Board to be sent to your university for potential course credit or advanced standing.

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