Senior Checklist

Read through the Beyond Morton High School Packet.

Complete a list of schools you will be applying to

Create or update your resume—consider using Xello.

Discuss your post-high school credential plans with your family: Talk about schools, finances, majors/certificates, your future

Visit campuses

Watch the Daily Bulletin & Big Screen announcements for visits from college representatives

Finalize and have someone edit your personal statements/essays

Retake the SAT/ACT (if you choose)–make sure your scores are sent to each of your prospective colleges

Attend Financial Aid Night at MHS to start learning about college financial aid

File the FAFSA, available starting October 1^st.

Take note of any upcoming deadlines-many schools have November 1^st, 15^th, or 30^th as a deadline

Continue searching for scholarships and ways to pay for your education

Retake the SAT/ACT (if you choose)

Attend college fairs and financial aid nights

• ICC College Night

Plan and make college visits.

Request letters of recommendation, if necessary

• Be sure to give recommenders at least 1 week to complete the recommendation.

• Provide them with a resume or a Student Information Sheet—available in the counseling office

If you are applying under an early decision or early action program, be sure to get all forms in as soon as possible.

Register for AP exams (administered in May).

Continue searching for scholarships and ways to pay for your education

Take note of any upcoming deadlines—many schools have November 1^st, 15^th, or 30^th as a deadline

Submit early decision/action applications on time. Be aware that early decision applications are binding agreements

Work hard at completing your college essays. Proofread them rigorously for mistakes.

Follow up with teachers to ensure that letters of recommendation are sent

Mail any additional requirements to the online applications as early as possible for colleges with rolling deadlines and regular decision deadlines.

Talk with your college friends about their schools

Finish all college applications before winter break. Save hard copies of any essays or writing prompts.

Some colleges include your first semester grades as part of your application folder. Request your 1^st semester grades be sent.

Check with your college to confirm that all necessary application materials have been received

Don’t get senioritis!!! Colleges and employers want to see strong 2^nd semester grades

Continue talking with friends and family about post high school credential options

You may receive college admission decisions this month

Most admission decisions and financial aid award letters arrive this month. Read everything you receive carefully, as some may require action on your part.

May 1^st—Make a final decision and mail the enrollment form and deposit check to the school you select

Notify schools that you were accepted to that you will not be attending

On the waiting list?—contact the school and let them know you are still interested

AP exams are administered. Make sure you AP score report is sent to your college

Study hard—most admission offers are contingent on your final grades

Thank your teachers, coaches, counselor, and anyone else who wrote you recommendations or otherwise helped with your college applications.

Meet with your counselor for a final record check, and to have your final transcript sent to your college choice