February College Prep Checklist for High School Seniors

Though it's the shortest month of the year, February is still a busy month. Here’s just a glimpse at all the celebrations the second month of 2024 has to offer: Black History Month, Financial Aid Awareness Month, Groundhog Day, Super Bowl LVIII, Valentine’s Day, Leap Year, and more. Amidst all these important dates, high school students still need to ensure they’re prepared for college throughout their final, high school semester.

College Planning Checklist for High School Seniors

It can be easy to get distracted in the hustle and bustle of 28 days -- or in the case of 2024, 29 days. Stay focused this month with this list of five things high school seniors should do in February:

1. Plan Your Final College Visits

Maybe you’re lucky enough to have already visited the schools you’ve applied to in person, maybe you haven’t. Whatever the case, it’s time to schedule any last-minute visits to the schools on your list. You don’t have to schedule a drive or book hotel rooms to go on a campus tour. Visiting your top-choice colleges virtually also gives you the information you need to make the best college decision. These visits make it much easier to narrow down your choices. Before your in-person or virtual visit, check out these college-visit tips from a campus tour guide!

2. Touch Base with Your School Counselor

It's a good idea to visit with your high school counselor or advisor at least once a semester -- especially as you get closer to your high school graduation. You want to ensure you’re on the right track for graduation, and that they’re in the loop with your college admissions process. These are the people that are sending your scores to college admissions, and you want to ensure everything is going smoothly! They’re also experts in the college search, so they can often shed light on your college choices and help you with your college admissions decisions.

3. Complete and Submit Your 2024-25 FAFSA

Every college-bound senior should fill out and submit their FAFSA. You don’t want to miss out on help paying for school because you neglected the form. If you want federal and state financial aid to help you pay for college, your FAFSA is key. Even if you’re not 100% sure you’ll be attending college this fall—complete your FAFSA! Keep track of the 2024-25 financial aid deadlines so you don’t lose out on any opportunities. If you’ve already filled out your FAFSA, you’re not finished yet. Learn what you should be doing after you’ve submitted yours.

4. Make Memories Your Senior Year

Senior year is full of moments you’ll remember forever. From prom to something as simple as seeing your friends in your classes – these are moments you’re going to miss one day. Try to soak up all the moments and memories you can, because they’re going to pass by more quickly than you can imagine. Take photos (let your family take them, too!), make memories with friends, and remember to cherish important moments – don’t sweat the small stuff or let senioritis get the best of you.

5. Stay on Top of Your Scholarship Applications

We simply cannot create a college planning checklist without including a scholarship action item – it’s that important! Earning scholarships can really help you pay for college. Stay on top of your search and apply for all scholarships you qualify for, like these scholarships for high school seniors. Every scholarship application counts! Set a scholarship goal for yourself and conquer it. Whether that’s applying for two scholarships per week or four scholarships this month, be sure your scholarship goal is do-able. As you complete your goals, you’ll feel inspired. This will fuel your ambition to do more! During busier weeks, consider applying for Featured Scholarships. These scholarships are easy to apply for and can help you meet those scholarship goals.