Senior Year Checklist
August/September
Confirm that you are on track to graduate (via your Senior One-on-One with your counselor) as well as on the road to fulfilling all college admission requirements.
Student athletes should discuss their plans and options with coaches and counselors.
Register for the SAT and/or ACT if you didn’t take it as a junior, or if you aren’t satisfied with your score and want to take it again. (remember that your counselor can help you with fee waivers)
Free resources, practice tests, tutorial videos and more are available. A little practice can go a long way.
Needs based application fee waivers are available for these exams. Ask your counselor for help.
Compare schools and create your shortlist! Research colleges and review the data.
Get out there! Connect with college reps, attend college fairs, and visit a few campuses.
Speak to college representatives who visit your school during our DEN College RepVisit series.
Go to college fairs. LISD hosts theirs each fall; this year's is on October 23 at VRHS.
Plan college visits. (Remember, you are permitted two pre-approved college visits in your juinor year.)
If you're not able to visit in person, check to see what virtual options a college may offer.
Tips for college campus visits: NACAC Tips for your College Visit
Narrow down your list of colleges and begin to consider “safe,” “reach,” and “realistic” schools. Make sure you have the application and financial aid information for each school. Find out if you qualify for any scholarships at these schools.
Stay Organized! Use a Calendar. Gather the transcripts and records needed to apply.
Make note of important tasks, such as gathering records and letters of recommendation.
Enter important events and due dates on your calendar.
Letters of recommendation are a common element of college applications. Start requesting them now!
Transcripts and official records of completion will be required for all college applications. Start preparing now!
Application Time! Narrow your list of colleges and start submitting applications.
Some colleges will have application submission deadlines as early as this month.
College application fee waivers are available. Reach out to your counselor, college and career transition coordinator, or college coach for assistance.
October
Remain aware of early college application deadlines!
Many selective colleges will have application deadlines as early as January of the following calendar year.
Do any of your schools have early application deadlines?
If you cannot afford the application fees that many colleges charge, ask your counselor to help you request a fee waiver.
Finalize your college essay. Many schools will require that you submit at least one essay with your application.
Request personal recommendations from teachers, school counselors, or employers. Follow the process required by your high school or provide a stamped, addressed envelope, the appropriate college forms, and an outline of your academic record and extracurricular activities to each person writing you a recommendation.
Research possibilities of scholarships. Ask your counselor, your colleges, and your religious and civic groups about scholarship opportunities. You should never pay for scholarship information.
Ask for free money! Research and continue to apply for scholarships, grants and aid programs.
Submit and apply as soon as possible. Aid is limited and often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
General information on scholarships & grants: Studentaid.gov Finding and Applying for Scholarships
CollegeBoard Scholarship Search Tool:
You should never have to pay for scholarship information. Services exist, but free resources are plentiful.
Fastweb.com Free Scholarship Search Platform
Scholarship.com Free Scholarship Search Platform
Consider completing the optional CSS Profile, an online application used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to determine eligibility for their aid dollars.
CSS profiles and programs are used by some, but not all colleges, so be sure to check your schools.
Submit for early decision or early action applications which are due this month.
Have a parent, teacher, counselor, or other adult review the application before it is submitted.
Resources for Early Decision and Early Action. CollegeBoard Guide for Early Decision and Early Action
November
Finalize and send any early decision or early action applications due this month. Have a parent, teacher, counselor, or other adult review the application before it is submitted.
Every college will require a copy of your transcript from your high school. Follow your school’s procedure for sending transcripts.
Make sure testing companies have sent your scores directly to the colleges to which you are applying.
December
FAFSA Time! File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Completing the FAFSA form allows you to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans. To be eligible, you have to meet the application deadlines for federal and state programs!
It is in your best interest to submit as soon as possible.
You will want to know your eligibility details for federal student aid as early as possible.
Many state and federal grant programs distribute limited funds on a first-come, first-served basis using the information provided on your FAFSA form.
The latest date to file your FAFSA is June 30, but the due dates for State-issued grant funds vary.
What is the application deadline for student aid in your State?
Watch the mail for your Student Aid Report (SAR), which should arrive three to four weeks after you apply.\
Begin to organize regular decision applications and financial aid forms, which will be due in January and/or February.
Register for the January SAT (If needed). It is the last one colleges will be able to consider for a senior.
January
Many popular and selective colleges will have application deadlines as early as January 1. Others have deadlines later in January and February. Keep track of and observe deadlines for sending in all required fees and paperwork.
Request first semester transcript (through Parchment.com) to be sent to schools where you applied. At the end of the school year, they must send final transcripts to the college you will attend.
Remain aware of final SAT / ACT registration deadlines if additional tests are needed.
If needed, register for the January SAT. It is the last one that colleges will be able to consider for a high school senior prior to rendering college application decisions.
If needed, register for the February ACT. Some colleges will be able to consider it, but some will not. Additional research may be required to confirm the exact timeframe for your prospective colleges.
Feb/March/April
While most of your applications will be complete and you are waiting to receive admission decisions, don’t slack in the classroom. The college that you do attend will want to see your second semester transcript. No Senioritis!
Acceptance letters and financial aid offers will start to arrive. Review your acceptances, compare financial aid packages, and visit your final choices, especially if you haven’t already.
Keep asking for free money! Continue to apply for scholarships and grants. (See October.)
May
May 1 is the date when the college you plan to attend requires a formal commitment and an enrollment deposit.
Be sure to review and accept your offer(s) for financial aid by May 1.
Send in your Enrollment Deposit by the postmark or submission date of May 1 to save your spot.
If you are “wait-listed” by a college you really want to attend, visit, call and write the admission office to make your interest clear. Ask how you can strengthen your application.
GRADUATION (May 24, 2024 at 4 PM)…CONGRATULATIONS!
June - August after Senior Year
Confirm that your final transcripts and records have been sent to your selected college.
Check with your counseling office or check your Parchment Learner Account dashboard.
Read your email frequently, consistently, and carefully for all communications from your college.
Important registration and housing materials are often sent in the summer.
Register for your classes as soon as possible. Classes often fill, and registration is usually on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you get your housing assignment, take advantage of the summer to get to know your roommate (text, call, Insta, Snap, the phone, etc.). Figure out who will bring what. You don't need two TVs and two microwaves in your tiny room.