Grade 12/Senior Year

Fall Semester

• September:
  • Check your transcripts to make sure you have all the credits you need to get into your college(s) of choice. Find out from the colleges to which you are applying whether or not they need official copies of your transcripts (transcripts sent directly from your high school) sent at the time of application.
  • Register for October/November SAT I, SAT II, and ACT tests. If you haven't already done it, sign up for free online test prep.
  • Take another look at your list of colleges, and make sure that they still satisfy your requirements. Add and/or remove colleges as necessary.
  • Make sure you meet the requirements (including any transcript requirements) for all the colleges to which you want to apply. Double-check the deadlines, and Apply.
  • Give any recommendation forms to the appropriate teachers or counselors with stamped, college-addressed, envelopes making certain that your portion of the forms are filled out completely and accurately.
  • Most early decision and early action applications are due between October 1 and November 1. Keep this in mind if you intend to take advantage of these options and remember to request that your high school send your official transcripts to the college to which you are applying.
• October:
  • Make a final list of schools that interest you and keep a file of deadlines and required admission items for each school.
  • Take SAT and/or ACT tests. Have the official scores sent by the testing agency to the colleges/universities that have made your final list of schools. Register for December or January SAT I and/or SAT II tests, if necessary.
  • Continue thinking about and beginning writing (if you have not already started) any essays to be included with your applications.
• November:
  • Submit your college admission applications.
• December:
  • Early decision replies usually arrive between December 1st and December 31st.
  • If you haven't already done so, make sure your official test scores are being sent to the colleges to which you are applying.
  • Schedule any remaining required interviews.

Spring Semester

• January:
  • Complete and submit your college financial aid application and the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) between January 1 and February 15, and check for other financial aid options. In order to be considered for financial aid, you will need to submit these forms even if you have not yet been notified of your acceptance to the college(s) to which you applied.
  • Go to the FAFSA on the Web form now.
  • Request that your high school send your official transcripts to the colleges to which you are applying.
  • Make sure your parents have completed their income tax forms in anticipation of the financial aid applications.
  • Contact the admissions office of the college(s) to which you have applied to make sure that your information has been received, and that they have everything they need from you.
• February:
  • If you completed the FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks. Make the necessary corrections and return it to the FAFSA processor.
  • Complete your scholarship applications.
  • Contact the financial aid office of the college(s) to which you have applied to make sure that your information has been received, and that they have everything they need from you.
• March/April:
  • You will probably hear from the colleges as to whether or not you are accepted by April 15.
  • Compare your acceptance letters, financial aid and scholarship offers.
  • When you choose a college that has accepted you, you will be required to pay a nonrefundable deposit for freshman tuition (this should ensure your place in the entering freshman class).
  • Compare financial aid packages and options.
• May:
  • Take AP exams for any AP subjects you studied in high school.
  • You should make a decision by May 1st as to which college you will be attending and notify the school by mailing your commitment deposit check. Many schools require that your notification letter be postmarked by this date.
  • If you were placed on a waiting list for a particular college, and have decided to wait for an opening, contact that college and let them know you are still very interested.
• June:
  • Have your school send your final transcripts to the college which you will be attending.
  • Contact your college to determine when fees for tuition, room and board are due and how much they will be.

Summer After Senior Year

• Participate in any summer orientation programs for incoming freshmen.