Embedded Files
August
Complete a Scholarship Search
Apply to scholarships (aim to apply for 1-2 per week)
Complete a skills/strength based assessment if you still need help figuring out a future major or career
Research potential colleges that align with your goals and create a list that includes 5-10 schools
*These should include safety schools, match schools and reach schools. More information on safety, match and reach can be found under "Grade Level Checklists"
Request admissions information from colleges
Pay attention to dates of local college fairs and college information sessions and make plans to attend if you can
Brainstorm college essay topics
Register for the SAT or ACT
Set academic goals for the year
September
Continue to apply for scholarships (aim to apply for 1-2 per week)
Begin writing drafts of your college application essay and scholarship essays
Register for the SAT or ACT if you have not taken it or if you would like a higher score
Send your SAT and ACT scores to the colleges of your choice
Complete your letter of recommendation request. The link listed under "12th Grade Level Checklist"
Mark college application deadlines on your calendar for each college that you are interested in
Decide if you want to apply to colleges under early action, early decision or regular decision
Early Action (EA)- non-binding but allows you to receive a decision in the fall
Early Decision (ED)- allow you to receive a decision in the fall but is a binding agreement-if you are accepted you are obligated to enroll
Regular Decision- deadline typically in January, allows opportunity to include 1st semester senior grades
October
Set up your FSA ID (your parent will need to create one as well) be sure to keep them in place from which you can easily retrieve
Complete your FAFSA (opens October 1) and GSFAPP
Continue attending college fairs and visiting campuses
Continue applying for scholarships and writing college essays
Continue applying to college and submit applications for early decision and early action before the deadline
Register for the ACT or SAT, if you have not taken it or if you would like a higher score
Send your SAT and ACT scores to the colleges of your choice
November
Review your final college lists
Finalize any early action or early decision applications and submit before the deadline
Register for your final SAT or ACT if you need to retest.
It is a good idea to be finished testing by December so that you have your final scores before the January regular admissions deadlines.
Send your SAT and ACT scores to the colleges of your choice
Continue applying for scholarships (aim to apply for 1-2 per week)
Focus on maintaining your GPA
December
Review any replies from early action or early decision applications
Proofread and finalize your college essays
Continue applying to college for regular decision or rolling admissions
Confirm that colleges have received a copy of your transcript and letter of recommendations
Makes plans to take your final SAT or ACT, if you need to retest
Send your SAT and ACT scores to the colleges of your choice
Continue applying for scholarships (aim to apply for 1-2 per week)
Research and apply for college based scholarships
Research other deadlines at the college that you plan to attend, such as housing and school specific financial aid deadlines
January
Send your final SAT and ACT scores to the colleges of your choice
Continue applying for scholarships (aim to apply for 1-2 per week)
If you were accepted for early decision, you may need to submit your deposits at this time. Check to verify your deadline.
February
Check your email and mail regularly for any updates or responses from colleges you've applied to
Complete any requested tasks from your schools as soon as possible
Rank your top school choices
Continue applying for scholarships (aim to apply to 1-2 per week)
March
Narrow down college choices
Visit the colleges of your top choices
Compare financial aid offer letters from each college
Send in any required enrollment deposits
Continue to check your email and mail regularly for updates or responses from colleges
Apply to rolling admissions schools if you didn't receive many acceptances
April
Make your final school decision
Check with the school's financial aid office about confirming award letters
Notify the schools that you have chosen not to attend
Plan for registration, orientation and housing and mark your calendar with those important dates
Reach out to colleges if you haven't received a decision or financial aid offer by mid-April to see what missing items you may have
May
Be aware of any summer orientation sessions you must attend and make plans accordingly
Send in your required college deposits to secure your spot
Submit any additional documents requested by your college
Prepare a realistic student budget
Follow up with your high school counselor to ensure that they are aware of your final decision so that they can send your final transcript and plan for Decision Day
Request college transcripts from your Dual Enrollment College for any dual enrollment credits to be sent to the college that you will be attending
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