Senior Year

FALL

Continue to visit schools

Fall is a great time to look at the schools on your college lists because classes are in session and you are better able to meet and talk with students and professors. You may even be able to sit in on a class or two.

Finalize your college list

Use the information you have gathered from college visits, interviews, and your own research to decide which school you will apply to. It is okay to apply to colleges that you think will be more difficult to get into. But it is also important to put a few safety schools (where you are sure you will get in) on your list. Talk to counselors, teachers, and parents about your final choices.

Stay on track with your grades and extracurricular activities

Colleges will look at what you have done in your senior year, so stay focused on doing well in your classes and maintaining a commitment to extracurricular activities.

Keep track of deadlines

You will be filling out lots of forms this year, so it is important to know what form is due when. Make a calendar showing the application deadlines for admissions, financial aid, and scholarships.

Ask for letters of recommendation

REQUEST LETTERS EARLY! Give letters of recommendation forms to the teacher you have chosen along with stamped, addressed envelopes so your teachers can send them directly to the colleges. Be sure to fill out your name and address and the school name on each form. Discuss your goals and ambitions with your teachers so they will be more prepared to write about you.

Meet with your counselor

Your counselor can help you stay on track with admission requirements. Make sure they know which colleges you want transcripts, score reports, and letters sent to. Give your counselor any necessary forms much earlier than the actual deadline so they will have time to send the form(s) in.

Complete applications Finish the application forms for the schools you are interested in. Proofread everything! Make sure you and your school’s counseling office have sent all necessary materials including test scores, recommendations, transcripts, and application essays (when applicable). Be sure to stay on track with the college admissions process. Get organized, be aware of deadlines, and do not procrastinate. Be checking your email every single day for important information such as college tour opportunities, financial aid assistance, and local scholarship information.

FAFSA

Submit Financial Aid forms

WINTER

Scholarship search

Apply for scholarships whose deadlines are approaching and keep searching for more scholarships and grant opportunities. Using online search tools is a great way to find potential aid. Ask colleges about what scholarships you may qualify for. Check your email and grade-level Google Classroom regularly for information on local scholarships you may be eligible for.

Send mid-year grade reports

Ask your counselor to send your mid-year grade reports to the colleges that you applied to. Remember that school will continue to keep track of your grades, so it is important to keep working hard through your senior year.

SPRING

Watch your mail and email for notifications from colleges

If you applied under the regular application process, you should receive an admissions decision by March or April. Notifications of financial aid awards should arrive by the end of April.

Compare financial aid packages

Make sure to consider each financial aid award carefully. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact the financial aid office of the college to get more information. Financial aid is a key factor in deciding where you will attend.

Make your final college and career decisions

If you are not sure which offer to accept, make one more campus visit to the schools you are considering. Make sure to send your deposit to your chosen school and ask your school counselor to send your final transcript to the college in June.

Prepare for college

Prepare for matriculation into your selected college by attending summer orientation programs, applying for student housing, and registering for courses. Learn about useful resources at your college and the surrounding community, such as the campus police, tutoring centers, health centers, clubs, and cultural centers.

Enjoy your summer!

1. Complete Professional Resume 

2. Take a few assessments to find your interests & strengths. 

a. Careers - Explore Clusters & Pathways 

3. Explore 2-year colleges for applicable education or training

4. Explore mentorship,  internship, or apprenticeship opportunities.