August
Review your senior year schedule- make sure you are taking courses to prepare you for college.
If necessary, retake the SAT at www.collegeboard.org and/or ACT www.act.org.
Create a list of colleges you would like to apply to.
Contact Admissions departments from the colleges you are interested in.
Complete the Net Price Calculations for each college you are considering.
Create a checklist and calendar to keep you organized (deadlines, test dates, letters of rec, etc.).
Small group meetings with your counselor to discuss application process in detail.
If looking to play NCAA athletics, complete an NCAA application form available online at www.ncaa.org Eligibility Center and turn in NCAA forms and transcript request to the Registrar.
September
Stay involved in after-school activities and seek leadership roles.
Keep working hard all senior year- senior grades can affect admissions and scholarships.
Complete a senior meeting with your counselor.
Add colleges to SchooLinks.
Complete college applications (*Are you eligible for a fee waiver? Contact your counselor).
Analyze application instructions to determine information required and deadlines.
Send your Official Transcripts to each school.
Send SAT/ACT score to all schools.
Request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselor at least 2 weeks before you need them.
Write your college essay... Have your teachers/counselor review them!
If applying for early decision/action, acquire and complete the necessary forms.
Meet with college representatives visiting South.
October
Students and guardians attend Financial Aid Night (hosted by WN virtually on 10/1).
FAFSA opens October 2025! Submit online application for Federal Aid (FAFSA), or other individual college financial aid forms as soon after it opens as possible. These forms will require tax information.
Look at Scholarship list on SchooLinks.
Attend College Fair at College of DuPage on October 14 from 6-8pm.
Schedule college campus visits.
Apply early to colleges that have a rolling admissions policy.
Use Halloween as a target date to complete all college applications.
December
Continue to investigate sources of financial aid.
Prepare for semester final exams. These grades may be important to colleges considering your application.
Finish the semester strong!
January-May
Continue to complete scholarship applications.
Complete common application for local scholarships and turn them into the Counseling Center in February 2026.
Be aware of application deadlines for college housing.
Evaluate college acceptance letters and select the best college for you. Advise all other colleges of your decision by May 1st.
Fill out a request for your final transcript to be sent to the college you will be attending in the fall. This will be done via SchooLinks on the senior survey.