Senior Year

Things to do during your Senior year at LHS:

August:

Visit missouriconnections.org. Try to narrow your interests and skills to one particular career path. Also, narrow your college search down to one or two options.

September:

Revise and update your college list based on information gathered during your visits.
Start applying for outside funding and scholarships. (Outside Scholarships)
Make a detailed list of test names, dates and fees; registration deadlines; college application deadlines; and financial aid applications and deadlines.
Ask your teachers, guidance counselors and employers for letters of recommendation.
Meet with Mrs. Hall for your Personal Profile Interview.
Get A+ forms in order and continue tutoring, if you will be attending a college in Missouri that supports the A+ Program.
Register with the NCAA or NAIA if you plan to play sports in college.

Tip: You must take tests like the SAT and ACT at least six weeks before your college’s submission deadline.

October:

Take the ACT and/or SAT exams again if necessary.
Attend the Annual Four States Regional College Fair.
Begin drafting college application essays if needed.
Check housing availability at the colleges to which you are applying. Residence hall space may be limited.
Complete and submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1. Applications aren’t accepted before this date and federal grant money is limited. Grants are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis so early completion is crucial.
If you’re a male and haven’t yet registered for the Selective Service, complete the check-off box on your FAFSA, or register at a U.S. Post Office. Men who are 18 years or older must be registered to be eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Tip: The information from your parent’s prior, prior year income tax returns will help you answer the information requested in the FAFSA form.

November:

Begin preparing your college and scholarship applications. Most of these can be found online. If not, ask the college when the application materials are due and how to submit them.
Continue to apply for outside funding and scholarships. (Outside Scholarships)

Tip: Avoid the urge to ease up on your studies during your senior year. Colleges look at how well you are able to balance your schoolwork with your activities and still maintain a good GPA.

December:

Pick up your copy of the LHS Scholarship Book in the Counseling Center. This will list all the local scholarships available to you. They can also be found here: (Local Scholarships)
Continue to apply for outside funding and scholarships. (Outside Scholarships)

Tip: January 1 usually is the deadline for applications to some selective colleges. Others have deadlines later in January or February. Be sure you know when the deadlines are so that you do not miss them.

January:

Work on completing the local scholarship applications.
Answer all requests from your college's admissions and housing departments.

February:

Check to see if your high school has mailed your mid-year transcripts to the colleges to which you’ve applied. Colleges require transcripts before making their final decision on whom to admit.

Tip: Many schools have March deadlines for admissions applications; make sure yours are in early.

March:

Make sure you are keeping up with your course work and not falling behind, as the end of the year will approach quickly.
Have fun, enjoy the last couple months of high school!

April:

Review financial aid award letters from the colleges and decide which college to attend. The letters describe the amount of assistance you’ll receive—usually a combination of grants and scholarships, work-study, and student loans.
Inform the college of your choice that you have accepted their offer.
Apply for Federal Stafford loans as needed. Your parents also can apply for a Federal PLUS Loan. Submit loan applications based on the school’s procedures.

Tip: You may choose to accept only part of the financial aid that a college is offering. It is not required to take out student loans. Be sure to consult with your parent/guardian before making decisions regarding finances.

May:

Remember to have your dual credit transcript sent to your college.
Congratulations! Now that you’ve taken all the required courses and tests to prepare for college, it’s time to prepare for some fun. Remember: your graduation is around the corner and the good times are about to begin.
All of your hard work is finally paying off. Relax and enjoy the festivities.

Tip: Find out whether your college offers interest-free tuition payment plans to enable you or your family to pay your college expenses in installments throughout the year.

Summer:

Take advantage of this summer break. If you’re working, hoard all the money you can. It will come in handy in September.

Tip: If you’re a first-time borrower, keep in mind that there may be a waiting period of 30 days before your funds are released. So be sure you have enough money set aside to pay for initial fees and expenses.

Report abuse