Senior Planning Calendar

Fall

ü Your schedule should include challenging college-prep courses

ü Review your four year graduation plan

ü Get involved in school activities, clubs, and organizations and take leadership positions

ü Grades matter!

ü Ask teachers that know you well to write letters of recommendation for you. Letters from adults outside of school are also valuable. Discuss your goals and ambitions. Give them at least two weeks notice.

ü Register for and take the ACT/SAT

ü Visit colleges of your choice

ü Apply for early admission and scholarships offered by that college

Winter

ü Attend college /career events held at local colleges or schools

ü Grades still matter!

ü Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The forms are available at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/express.html

(You will need your family’s/guardian’s tax records)

ü Mail or send any applications or financial aid forms. Pay attention to deadlines because each school is different. Make copies of everything before sending.

ü Check to make sure all applications and information have been received.

ü Begin to apply for national and local scholarships

ü Request transcripts from your counselor’s office. Please give at least two weeks notice.

ü Begin working on drafts for college essays.

ü Schedule retakes of the SAT/ACT

Spring

ü Watch for acceptance letters from colleges

ü Ask about Advanced Placement (AP) Exams for college credit

ü Try to make visits to colleges before making your final choice. Compare before sending a deposit to your chosen school by May 1. Freshman deposits are sometimes nonrefundable.

ü Request your final transcript be sent to the college in June

ü You should receive a FAFSA acknowledgement

ü If you applied for a Pell Grant, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Make a copy for your records and send to the college.

ü Continue to apply for scholarships

ü Complete all college paperwork, make housing arrangements, and visit your college advisor before registering for classes.

Summer

ü Send thank you notes to everyone that gave you recommendation letters, a scholarship, or helped you in any other way

ü If needed, apply for a Stafford Loan. Allow 8 weeks for processing.

ü Attend freshman orientation

ü Visit your college career center

ü Congratulations! You’ve accomplished quite a lot. Enjoy the ride!