September
Register for October or November ACT or SAT
Review your high school transcript and check it for accuracy
Meet with your school counselor to discuss the colleges to which you're thinking of applying
Request letters of recommendation (give 2 weeks notice) Fill this form out for your recommender
Visit campuses and interview with college admissions representatives
Add the colleges you're applying to to Naviance
Fill out a transcript request on Naviance for each college you applied to, so we can send your official transcript
You and your parent(s) will need to request a FSA ID on FAFSA.ed.gov After you and your parent(s) have received your ID you can then sign your FAFSA after it opens (?)
Create a chart of deadlines. Pay particular attention to early decision, early action, and preferred application deadlines
Try to assume a leadership position in an extracurricular activity
Work to strengthen your academic record
CHECK YOUR EMAIL!
October
Take the SAT and/or ACT as appropriate
Continue to narrow your list of schools
Take advantage of college fairs and virtual tours
Complete your applications if you are applying early decision or early action
Research financial aid and scholarships. Do your parents' places of employment offer college scholarships for employee children?
Keep track of all application components and deadlines- applications, test scores, letters of recommendation, and financial aid materials. An incomplete application will ruin your chances for admission.
November
If you submitted the FAFSA, you should receive the Student Aid Report(SAR - via email). Carefully look it over for accuracy.
Register for the December SAT or ACT if appropriate
Don't let your grades slide. It's easy to be distracted from school work when working on applications. Senior slump can be disastrous for your admissions chances
Make sure you've submitted all components of your applications if you are applying to colleges with November deadlines for early decision or preferred application
Continue to research scholarships.
December - January
Complete your applications for regular admissions
Make sure you've had your test scores sent to all colleges that require them
Confirm that your letters of recommendation have been sent
If you are accepted to a school through early decision, be sure to follow directions carefully. Submit required forms, and notify the other schools to which you applied of your decision.
Continue to research scholarships. Apply for scholarships well in advance of deadlines.
Orders for graduation announcements, memory books, measurements for caps and gowns are generally in January
February - March
Contact colleges that didn't send you a confirmation receipt for your application
Keep your grades up. Colleges can revoke offers of admission if your grades take a nosedive senior year.
Some acceptance letters may arrive (via email). Compare financial aid offers and visit campus before making a decision. Don't panic; many, many decisions are not mailed out until April
Continue applying for appropriate scholarships and visiting campuses that you are deciding between.
Be sure you apply for all the local Herrin scholarships you can!
Graduation and End of Year dates will be set in March
April
Keep track of all acceptances, rejections, and waitlists
If waitlisted, learn more about waitlists and move ahead with other plans. You can always change your plans if you get off a waitlist.
Keep your grades up
If you have ruled out any colleges that accepted you, notify them. This is a courtesy to other applicants, and it will help the colleges manage their waitlists and extend the correct number of acceptance letters.
Go to accepted student open houses if offered
May - June
Avoid senioritis! An acceptance letter doesn't mean you can stop working
Most schools have a deposit deadline of May 1st. Don't be late! If needed, you may be able to request an extension.
Pay off your student account; you must serve all detentions and pay your bills before you will be able to receive your diploma.
Have your final transcripts sent to colleges
Send thank you letters to everyone who helped you in the application process. Let your mentors and recommenders know the results of your college search
Keep on top of procuring student loans. Notify your college if you receive any scholarships
Graduate. May XX, 2025 ******Congratulations!
July - August after Senior Year
Read all mailings from your college carefully. Often important registration and housing material is 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.
Off to college!