College Prep Timeline
Fall (September to October)
TESTING - Take the SAT and/or ACT: Students who haven't taken a college entrance exam or feel like they can improve their score results should schedule testing in the fall of senior year. This allows them to get scores back in time for college applications and scholarship applications.
ASVAB - Military Entrance Exam: For those students interested in the military. ASVAB will be given at SHS on (TBD).
SCHOLARSHIPS - Work on scholarship applications, and submit according to deadlines.
Ask for letters of recommendation: At least a month prior to the deadline, provide your recommenders with Recommendation Request Forms.
Most early decision and early action applications are due between October 1 and November 1. If you want to take advantage of these options, make sure to keep deadlines in mind and supply all needed documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, ACT/SAT scores, etc.).
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - available on October 1 each year.
Complete the CSS PROFILE - Certain schools require the CSS PROFILE in the fall if you plan to go through their early application process.
Transcripts - request official transcripts, remember the counseling office needs your student signature in order to process requests.
College Access Campaign- Apply to South Dakota Colleges for FREE from (TBD) https://selectdakota.org/parentscounselors/collegeapplicationweek/
Winter (November - February)
SCHOLARSHIPS - Work on your scholarship applications, and submit according to deadlines.
Check with the financial aid office of schools you are applying to for specific information (scholarships and costs for tuition, fees, room and board, and any additional financial aid information).
Submit regular decision applications—Most colleges offer regular decision due dates around January 1 and March 1 of each year.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - available on October 1 each year.
Complete the CSS PROFILE or other school-based aid forms—Certain schools require the CSS PROFILE in addition to FAFSA to determine financial aid. Submit ASAP, as schools often give aid on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ask for letters of recommendation: At least a month prior to the deadline, provide your recommenders with Recommendation Request Forms.
Transcripts - request official transcripts, remember the counseling office needs your student signature in order to process requests.
Spring (March to May)
SCHOLARSHIPS - Work on your scholarship applications, and submit according to deadlines.
Update your FAFSA and CSS PROFILE applications - Update your financial aid applications with data from your most recent year tax returns if this information was estimated on your initial FAFSA / CSS PROFILE.
Send tax information for verification, if requested - Some colleges may require verification of your financial information.
Compare financial aid packages from multiple schools - Colleges will send an Award Letter notifying students of the financial aid package they are offering consisting of grants, loans and work-study.
Consider a financial aid appeal, if necessary - If there is a change in your family's financial circumstance or if a college's financial aid package does not meet your need, contact the financial aid office ASAP to appeal the Award Letter.
Submit your enrollment deposit - Keep in mind deadlines to submit a deposit and secure your place for regular decision applications (typically May 1). If you're worried about the cost of the deposit, talk to the school about a fee-waiver.
Complete ongoing enrollment paperwork for your college (orientation, scheduling, housing, etc.) Double check to make sure all paperwork is completed by the deadlines.
Request a FINAL Transcript to be sent to your school after graduation.