12th Grade

Fall

☑ BEGIN COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

Carefully review all requirements for each college on your list and begin your applications!

Early Action/Early Decision deadlines are usually in October or November.
Regular Decision deadlines are usually in January.
Some colleges have “rolling admissions”
- This means they are continuously accepting applications and making decisions as they receive them. Applying earlier to these colleges often has benefits. Research if this applies to schools on your list.

☑ SUBMIT FAFSA AND OTHER FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS

Submit your FAFSA or (TASFA if you are not eligible for federal aid) as soon as it opens (typically between October and December). This is also a graduation requirement. Contact your counselor if you have any questions.

Note: you cannot complete both the FAFSA and TASFA; the TASFA is only for Texas residents, who do not qualify for federal aid.
- Some schools also require the CSS Profile for additional financial aid.
Double-check each college's financial aid deadlines to maximize your aid eligibility.

☑ APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Apply for as many external scholarships as possible! Look for national, local, and school-specific awards.

Check your Google Classroom for the local scholarship book posted in November.
Other helpful websites include:
- BigFuture Scholarship Search

☑ SEND OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

Request your high school to send your transcripts to all colleges you're applying to. You’ll also want to ensure that your SAT or ACT scores are sent to the colleges (if required).

To request a transcript, you’ll want to email your campus registrar.

☑ CHECK IN ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Senior year can be both exciting and stressful. It's important to take time for yourself. Staying organized can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from counselors, teachers, or trusted adults.

Spring

☑ TRACK ADMISSION DECISIONS

Regularly check your college application portals for decisions and important updates. Make sure no documents are missing.

☑ COMPARE FINANCIAL AID OFFERS

Review financial aid packages carefully, consider grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study offers.

Determine if your school has additional scholarship applications.
Appeal aid if your family circumstances have changed.
- The process for this will be different at each school. Email your school's financial aid office for more detailed information.

☑ MAKE YOUR FINAL DECISION

National College Decision Day is typically May 1st. You will need to make your final decision before then.

Be sure to email the schools you will not be attending to officially decline your spot. It is common courtesy and frees space for students on the waitlist.

☑ SEND YOUR FINAL TRANSCRIPT

Check your Google Classroom for the graduation survey. This is how the registrar will determine where to send your final transcript.

☑ CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS!

Graduation is a huge milestone, take time to appreciate everything you’ve accomplished!

Just Starting?

If you are in 12th grade and only recently began thinking about applying to colleges, look for schools with "rolling admissions." These schools tend to have later deadlines and higher acceptance rates.

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