Preparing for Graduation: A Timeline for Senior Year

Your senior year of high school can be one of the most exciting times in your young adult life. While making memories and enjoying newfound freedoms, remember that this year will go by quicker than you may realize. There’s a lot to do, from choosing a college and searching for grants or scholarships to taking your Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/or ACT assessments. Although all the planning that goes into preparing for college can be stressful, it doesn’t need to be. This month-by-month guide will help you stay focused and on track for graduation and the many exciting things to come after. Having a plan going into your senior year of high school will not only allow you to stay focused and set you up for success that can impact your life for years to come, but it’ll also allow you more time to enjoy the present moment. Be prepared for that long-awaited walk in your cap and gown with this easy-to-follow guide.

September

• Start early! Your senior year will go by quickly, so start preparing right away.
• List your career goals, personal interests, and preferences to choose the best college for you.
• Compare schools that offer the program of your choice. While many may offer advice on which school they think is best, choosing a college is a personal experience. Understanding your needs, like housing, work schedule, financing, or course requirements, can help you narrow down your school of choice.
• Request admission information and school catalogs. While many schools have similar admission processes, these can vary by university. Narrow your choices to the top 5-10 schools and organize your list with information on any deadlines or important dates.
• Register for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/or the ACT assessment and obtain a test date. You can take the ACT assessment as early as September, while the SAT is administered from October to December. Registering and studying for the ACT and SAT early can help alleviate some of the stress of taking these tests and allow you to work on any areas where you struggled before retesting.
• Get an FSA ID for you and a parent and apply with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as October.
• While this exciting year is just starting, it will go by fast. Remember to have fun but stay focused on maintaining or improving your GPA.

October

• From scholarships to college applications, college essays can be an effective tool to help you obtain financing and the highly anticipated acceptance letter. A well-thought-out and properly edited essay can help you stand out, so don’t wait until graduation to start working on them.
• By now, you should have narrowed down your list to a few schools just right for you. Begin working on your applications so you can tailor each application to the correct university.
• Take the SAT and/or ACT. Scoring lower than expected is common, but don’t worry! Taking these tests early allows you to focus on areas you wish to improve and retake the tests for a higher score. Many schools offer tutoring services, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
• Contact your school’s guidance counselor. By getting to know you, they can better assist you with your goals and help you develop a college admission plan and find financial aid.
• What you do matters! Volunteer work and extracurricular activities can showcase your interests, talents, and drive. Find opportunities to learn, work, and lead.
• Go to college fairs. Many college fairs start as early as the fall. This is a great opportunity to explore the campus and learn more about life as a college student.
• Complete your FAFSA online.
• Request your school transcripts. Doing this early will allow you to ensure they are correct and see if there are any areas for improvement.

November

• Complete your college applications early in the year. Graduation comes quickly. Before you know it, you’ll be in your cap and gown wondering where the time went.
• Have parents, teachers, or other adults review your college applications or essays. They can provide you feedback on how others may view your application and see where you may want to make changes.
• Register to retake your ACT and/or the SAT, if you are trying to improve your score.
• Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for completion and correctness. If you haven’t received it, and it has been a few weeks since you submitted your FAFSA, contact 1-800-4-FED-AID.
• Obtain letters of recommendation. Anyone from a teacher, employer, coach, or counselor can assist with this, and getting a well-thought-out letter highlighting your character and abilities can make a big difference in a college application.
• Research and apply for financial aid. You can find financial aid through different types of grants, scholarships, loans, and work studies. Find the one that is right for you.
• Request forms and applications while keeping an orderly list of associated deadlines and/or requirements. While you still have time to apply for aid, researching financial aid options early on can be an important step in comparing the costs of various colleges.
• Stay focused and keep your GPA up!

December

• Submit your college applications. While application deadlines often vary by school, many regular deadlines end in December. Ensure you’ve highlighted your achievements, work, and activities. You’ve worked hard this year, so show it!
• Continue to research and apply for financial aid. Some grants or scholarships require an essay along with the application. Begin working on these early on to set yourself apart.
• Research the college you plan to attend. Keep an organized list of deadlines or requirements for school-specific applications, such as housing or assistance.
• If you’ve struggled academically, send your updated school transcripts to every school you’ve applied. Improvements in grades can demonstrate your focus and determination on academic excellence, which can greatly impact an admission counselor’s decision.

January

• By now, you’ve submitted your applications with essays, transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
• Be mindful of scholarship application deadlines and requirements. Don’t wait until the last minute!
• Enjoy time with friends and make memories to last a lifetime, but don’t let your grades suffer. Keep the momentum going and finish strong.

February

• Acceptance or rejection letters can start arriving as early as February.
• If accepted into multiple colleges, rank them in order. Once you’ve chosen one, notifying the other schools will allow them to open that spot to someone else.
• Scheduling campus visits is a great way to narrow down your school choices.
• If you plan to work over the summer, start looking for jobs and get a resume together. There are several online resources to help you with this.
• Many colleges will send confirmation letters or emails to inform you that they have received your application. If you haven’t received this, it may be a good idea to follow up on your application.
• Review your SAR, if you haven’t already, to ensure it is accurate. Any errors or missing information could cause you to lose out on thousands of dollars.
• If you didn’t get into your schools of choice, don’t fret! Many schools have late or rolling admission policies that allow you to enroll anytime before the summer. With many students applying during the fall, don’t wait. Spots can fill up quickly.

March

• Whether you choose a university or community college, if you don’t get your first choice of school, completing your general education requirements at another school of choice can be a great opportunity to showcase your ability to excel academically in a school setting.
• Continue to track and research financial aid opportunities and applications. Ensure any required forms, including tax forms, are submitted.
• Keep working on your resume and looking for a summer job.

April

• Choose a school and notify the others of your choice.
• Schedule a campus visit and/or speak with your counselor. Now that you’ve chosen your school, you may discover you have many more questions for them.
• Go to open houses! Many colleges and universities hold an open house for incoming freshmen so new students can learn more about their school directly from current students. If you can attend, this is a great way to learn about the school and meet other freshmen.
• If you’ve received multiple financial aid award letters, compare them so you can choose which ones are right for you. Ensure your school is notified and send your chosen award letters to them.
• Mark your calendar with any important dates! From orientation and housing to deadlines for ordering materials, be prepared for your next steps after graduation.

May

• While your high school journey is nearly over, don’t lose sight of your next steps!
• Keep track of any requirements or deadlines over the summer.
• Prepare a student budget for your first year of school. An adult or guardian can assist you with understanding your finances.
• Follow up with your high school counselor so that they send your final school transcripts to the college of your choice after graduation.
• Track any deposit deadlines for the college of your choice. Ensure you pay these on time so that they don’t impact your enrollment.

June

• If you took AP classes in high school, taking the national exams at the end of the school year will allow you to use these as college credits.
• Send thank you notes! Your senior year is full of hard work, planning, and preparation. Send a letter or card to all of those who helped you.
• Work with a parent or guardian to ensure you’re ready for college. This is a great time to improve on any skills you will need, like budgeting, routine home/auto care, and safety.
• Ensure you have a plan for getting around. Whether you plan to drive, bike, carpool, or use the bus system, having a plan for commuting to school, work, or the store can be a great way to alleviate the stress or fear of setting out on your own.
• Celebrate your success! It’s finally graduation and you worked hard to get here. Dress up for your special day, put on your cap and gown, and celebrate the closing of an amazing chapter in your life and the start of a new one.