Senior year is an exciting time, but can also be overwhelming! Just as you're getting to the finish line of high school, you find yourself and the starting line of the rest of your life! This is the year for making some big decisions, and we're here to help.
12TH GRADE TIMELINE
Check your credits; make sure you are taking the classes and tests you need to graduate.
If you are planning on attending college, sign up for the first quarter Futures Lounge Seminar. We will cover the entire application process, including filling out the common app, writing successful personal essays, and applying for financial aid.
If you are planning on applying to a military academy, now is the time to obtain a nomination from your U.S. Senator or Representative and take the Candidate Fitness Assessment. This page from Westpoint Academy has lots of helpful information on steps to admission.
Update your information on your Schoolinks Resume and Profile, the activities section will prove very helpful when it comes time to apply for colleges.
Both students and parents should visit the FAFSA website and create an FSA ID now so you are ready to apply for federal aid electronically in October.
Complete the Federal Student Aid Estimator to find out how much federal student aid you may be eligible for.
Confirm the test and registration dates for the SAT and/or ACT; learn what date these tests will be offered either on Orcas or off island. Mark your calendars to avoid late registration fees.
Ask teachers to write letters of recommendation as needed. Check the letters of rec guidelines on how to ask for a letter of recommendation.
Figure out what you’re going to do for your volunteer hours, you can check out the Orcas nonprofit directory for ideas.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) site opens October 1. Be sure you and your family have your personal and monetary information organized so the process goes smoothly. The sooner you complete this, the more likely you are to be eligible for merit aid scholarships from the schools you apply to.
Check if you need to fill out the CSS/Financial Aid profile. This form is different from the FAFSA and is required by most Ivy League schools and many California schools. Complete this form online and submit it to the appropriate schools. Apply early as funds are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Begin filling out online college applications. Many schools are on the CommonApp, but others have their own application portal, so be sure to check.
Check Early Decision and Early Action deadlines for the schools you are applying to.
Visit campuses of schools you are applying to, virtually or in person if possible.
Try to write your college essay and apply to colleges during October so that November is free to work on your senior paper.
Attend The Futures Fair; this will be your last chance to speak to reps from colleges all over the country that you may not be able to visit in person. Think of questions such as
Seattle National College Fair: Normally this event takes place at the WA State Convention and Trade Center over two days. Representatives from upwards of 300 colleges and universities usually attend. Register in advance, and make a plan before you go as it can be overwhelming!
Continue to find time to visit campuses of schools you are applying to.
The University of Washington application deadline is Nov. 15. Western Washington University's early action deadline is November 1 (admission decision by December 31).
Take the ASVAB.This is a three-hour skills assessment given free by the military, and if you pass it you can fulfill both your Math and English proficiency requirements for graduating high school. Reminder: if you do not fulfill the math requirement you will need to include a math component in your senior project, which is difficult and time consuming, so do everything you can to avoid this!
The University of California schools’ admission application filing period for all applicants is Nov. 1-30.
Try make time to visit the campuses of schools you are applying to.
Work on any remaining college applications.
Complete your Senior Paper.
Email or meet with Dr. Fletcher to make sure you are registered for everything you need to graduate next semester.
Begin planning your senior project, If you need to include math in your project to fulfill your graduation requirement, pay special attention to the additional requirements, and talk with your teacher about how to make sure you accomplish this effectively.
Feb 1st is your last opportunity to change your senior project, make sure you've met with your advisor and have a good timeline for completing tasks on time.
Complete any remaining college applications. Even if your school has open admissions, particular programs can often fill up, so it is advisable to apply early. Don’t wait!
If you are applying to community college, get the application process out of the way now. You don't have to write essays or list your activities, but there are still hurdles you have to clear before you are accepted, so don't wait till the end of the school year to do it.
Make sure your applications have been received – check your email! Stay on top of requests you receive, print out financial aid award letters so you can compare them side by side.
Review your financial aid award letters with your parents. Call the school’s financial aid office for clarification if you need. Keep track of payment deadlines. Ask if you have questions!
The Local Scholarship Book is released some time just before spring break. Grab your copy from the front desk and identify which ones you can apply for. Get started on applying sooner rather than later, the deadlines come up fast and you don't want to miss the opportunity to benefit from the generosity of our wonderful community.
Decision Day is May 1st. Do this as soon as possible because getting dorm housing is dependent on this deposit. Notify the counselor of your decision.
Take AP Exams.
Attend and enjoy OIHS Prom on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.
Have final transcripts sent to the college you will be attending, most schools accept these electronically.
Senior Project Presentations.
Celebration of Success.
Graduation - CONGRATULATIONS!
You will undoubtedly have questions about this information. Please ask!
Jamie Kluckow/Post-Graduate Prep: jkluckow@oisd.org
Dr. Rachel Fletcher/Counselor: rfletcher@oisd.org