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 so that it fits your schedule and goals. Let’s get college ready!
August
• Request applications and brochures from your target colleges if you haven't already. It’s also a great time to do a virtual or in-person campus tour.
• Schedule
college interviews with prospective schools. These can either be done on-campus or when your prospective college’s admissions officer visits your area. To see when this might happen, email the admissions office or your regional representative directly.
• 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.
September
• Set up a budget for college application costs – they can add up.
• Get your applications in order by creating files for your prospective schools. Make a list of application requirements (essays, transcripts, etc.) and deadlines for each.
• 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, 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 Early Action or Early Decision, get your application in 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 your applications have been received by colleges.
• 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 if you have any special financial aid circumstances. You can actually
appeal your financial aid package 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 option 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.
