Senior Year

So, seniors, listen up! Brace yourselves for an unforgettable ride because senior year is quite the rollercoaster. First, expect a lot of mixed feelings – excitement, nostalgia, and a touch of anxiety. It's a year filled with important milestones and "lasts" – last first day of school, last homecoming, last finals. But don't worry, there's also a ton of perks. You'll have more freedom, fewer required classes, and plenty of opportunities to make memories with your friends. Of course, there will be the occasional stress of college applications, but hey, it's part of the process. In the end, senior year is a unique blend of bittersweet moments, lifelong friendships, and endless possibilities. So buckle up, seniors, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime!

Plan/Timeline for Senior Year (August to May):

August:

• Attend schedule preview days at school to get information about available classes and course requirements for senior year

• Begin brainstorming ideas and gathering materials for personal statement for the QuestBridge application

• Familiarize yourself with the QuestBridge application process and requirements.

• Create a checklist of all the colleges and universities you plan to apply to, including application deadlines and requirements

September:

• Finalize personal statement for QuestBridge application

• Complete and submit QuestBridge application by the deadline on September 26

• Draft a general college application essay that can later be edited and tailored to fit different supplementals

• Research specific requirements and deadlines for each college you plan to apply to

• Start gathering materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores required for college applications

• Register for AP exams that you plan to take in the upcoming spring

• Begin drafting UC applications if planning to apply to any University of California campuses.

October:

• Start working on supplemental essays required by colleges

• Request letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors

• Attend college fairs or information sessions to gather more information about potential colleges.

• Review and edit college application essays for different schools.

• Begin working on scholarship applications, paying attention to eligibility and deadlines.

November:

• Complete and submit common app college applications before their respective deadlines for early action/decision

• Continue to work on scholarship applications and meet their deadlines

• Follow up with teachers or mentors regarding letters of recommendation

• Attend college workshops offered by the school, local community, programs to get assistance in the application process, if available

• Review and finalize UC application, ensuring all relevant information is included

• Start researching on FAFSA and CA Dream Act, gather necessary documents and information required for application

December:

• Begin filling out FAFSA and CA Dream Act applications online, ensuring to meet respective deadlines

• Finish and submit scholarship applications

• Consult with school counselors or advisors to ensure all necessary materials and applications are completed and submitted

• Continue to monitor and meet any additional college application deadlines

January:

• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if not already done so

• Submit the CA Dream Act application if eligible and not yet submitted

• Complete any remaining college supplementals or follow-up documents as requested

• Consider attending college campus visits or tours during winter break

February:

• Review early admission or early decision offers and deadlines (if applicable)

• Continue to seek additional scholarship opportunities

• Prepare for and take any necessary AP exams

• Double-check that all required documents have been sent to each college

March:

• Research and apply for private school scholarships

• Await responses from colleges and universities regarding acceptance status

• Attend financial aid workshops or seminars to gain information on funding options

April:

• Submit intent to register at chosen college or university by their stated deadline

• Accept any scholarships or financial aid packages offered by the selected college

• Continue seeking additional scholarships or grants

• Begin comparing financial aid packages and making a decision on the college(s) to attend

• Notify colleges that you will not be attending, if applicable

May:

• Complete any final paperwork or tasks required by the colleges, such as housing forms or health records

• Prepare for graduation and enjoy the last month of high school