photo: flickr/shadowofmyformerself
Are you a high school senior, preparing for college? You don’t have much time left: this is the year of action! Follow this senior year calendar to get into the college of your choice.
August of Your Senior Year
Investigate college options and make your selections.
Find out when the deadlines are for college admissions for all the colleges you are considering.
Discover what specific materials are needed for the application process. (Essay? Letters of recommendation? Interview?)
Make a list of scholarships and grants for which you will apply.
Apply for grants and scholarships.
September of Your Senior Year
Create a calendar of what you need to do when.
Take college entrance exams (ACT or SAT) if you haven’t yet.
Go to college fairs or meet with college reps who visit your high school.
Request applications from colleges that don’t accept online applications.
Get letters of recommendation from your teachers and coaches.
Apply for grants and scholarships.
October of Your Senior Year
Write your college entrance essays. Get them reviewed by teachers or parents and revise until perfect.
Visit the colleges of your choice and see if you can get an appointment with a college representative.
Find out what financial aid forms each college requires. Get these filled out.
Apply for grants and scholarships.
November of Your Senior Year
Make sure everything you started in October got completed. That includes essays, audition tapes, interviews, tests, etc.
Apply for grants and scholarships.
Complete and submit applications!!!
December of Your Senior Year
Complete your FAFSA form online (for financial aid.) Talk to your parents about financial plans. Apply for grants and scholarships.
January of Your Senior Year
Make sure they file their taxes ASAP so their tax return doesn’t delay your financial package process. Apply for grants and scholarships.
February of Your Senior Year
Test out of as many classes as you can using AP (advanced placement) exams or other exams.
Find your SAR (Student Aid Report) and determine if there is anything that needs to be challenged on it. This will help you know how much you will need to pay for college.
March of Your Senior Year
Look for acceptance letters!
Compare financial aid packages.
Contact schools with all questions and concerns.
Choose your school!
Alert schools of your choice.
April of Your Senior Year
Make copies of all paperwork involved in your acceptance, especially financial aid information.
Pay your deposit to ensure your enrollment at college.
May of Your Senior Year
Look into summer jobs, summer plans and a budget.
Notify your high school of your college choice and all scholarships and grants awarded.
Make sure all financial issues have been resolved.
Look into orientation information, move in information and class availability. You may be able to register for classes already, or you may have to wait until later in the summer.
June of Your Senior Year
Graduate!
Celebrate your acceptance to college!
Work a summer job and save for college expenses.
Spend quality time with friends and family as you prepare for this new phase in your life.
