It's your final year of high school, which is not only the time to celebrate your achievements but bulk up your resume and course schedule to show colleges and universities that you're a worthy candidate. Senior year is easily the most overwhelming for high school students, but staying organized will guarantee a solid finish, a good chance at your top choice college, and a year that you can look back on with satisfaction.
As you prepare for the year ahead, it’s best to start with a “game plan.” Consider this calendar a great place to start, and feel free to edit it to fit your schedule and goals. Let’s get college-ready!
• Schedule college interviews with prospective schools. These can either be done on-campus or when your prospective college’s admissions officer visits your area. Email the admissions office or your regional representative directly to see when this might happen.
• Determine if you will apply Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision. Many Early Action and Early Decision deadlines occur as soon as October. If you plan to apply early, ramp up your college application efforts now!
• Take the SAT or ACT if you’re applying to a college that requires a standardized test score. Check to see if the colleges you plan to apply to are test-optional to determine whether or not you should sit for the tests.
Access the August Checklist.
August
• If you haven't already, request applications and brochures from your target colleges. Now is also a great time to schedule a campus tour.September
• Set up a budget for college application costs – they can add up. • Create files for your prospective schools to organize your applications. List each school's application requirements (essays, transcripts, etc.) and deadlines. • Request letters of recommendation from teachers, advisors, and employers. • Work on application essays. Access the September Checklist.October
• Talk to your parents about college cost. Decide how much you can afford and how much they plan to pay for, and explore your options for funding. • Request that transcripts be sent to your schools. If you’re applying for Early Action or Early Decision, get your application this month. • Visit Fastweb Financial Aid to learn more about financial aid. • Start applying for scholarships from private organizations. Check your Fastweb scholarships for new matches, and start with Fastweb's $1,000 Your Future is Now Sweepstakes. Access the October checklist.November
• Keep copies of all applications and forms sent to colleges. • Request test scores sent to colleges if your college is accepting them. • Start gathering materials and financial records for the FAFSA, available in December of this year. We recommend that students fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible. Many states and colleges distribute financial aid on a first-come, first-serve basis. Be ready. Access the November checklist.December
• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it becomes available in December of this year. • Review the SAR (Student Aid Report) to make sure the information is correct. You should receive it within 3-5 days after submitting your FAFSA online. • Work on college applications! Many applications are due this month or in early January. Access the December checklist.January
• Check with your prospective colleges about additional financial aid application forms and requirements. These supplemental forms may ask more in-depth questions about your financial circumstances. It will help your college build your financial aid package. • Send mid-year reports to colleges, if necessary. • Verify that colleges have received your applications. • Send thank you notes to your recommendation sources, if you haven’t done so already. If you know your admissions decision at this point, it would be great to share the news! Access the January checklist.February
• Check the mail for admissions letters and financial aid award letters. Access the February checklist.March
• Compare your admissions offers. Ask your guidance counselor to help you weigh your options. • Contact the financial aid office for exceptional financial aid circumstances. You can actually appeal your financial aid award letter if you feel that you should qualify for more aid to pay for school. • If waitlisted, notify the admissions office if you're still interested. Access the March Checklist.April
• Plan your summer internship, job or program. Start searching on Fastweb. • Time for a decision! Most schools ask that you choose your school by May 1. Access the April checklist.May
• Notify (in writing) the schools you have decided not to attend. • Make sure you've received the necessary forms for housing, health insurance, financial aid, etc. • Pursue additional student loan options, if necessary. Check out Fasweb’s Student Loans Center to find the best choice for you. • Notify colleges of any private scholarship awards. Access the May checklist.June
• Have your final transcripts sent to your new school. • Research student banking options near your college. • Double-check any final deadlines for housing, financial aid, etc. Access the June checklist.July
• Set up a projected first-year college budget. • Go shopping for dorm room essentials. • Connect with your roommate virtually or in-person and attend any summer gathering events with fellow students and alumni before you make your way to campus. Access the July checklist.You Might Also Like
Kathryn Knight Randolph
Associate Content Editor
Kathryn Knight Randolph is the Associate Content Editor at Fastweb. She has 17 years of higher education experience, working first as an Admissions Officer at DePauw University before joining Fastweb. In b...
