SENIOR PLANNING GUIDE

 

• SEPTEMBER:

· Be aware of your GPA and class rank

 

· Identify your priorities in a college (size, admissions selectivity, location, programs of study, social life, extra-curricular opportunities)

 

· If you have not already done so, write, phone or use the Internet to request applications for all colleges/universities you are interested in

 

· Register for October/November SAT I  (on-line at collegeboard.com or use the paper application available in the guidance office)

 

· If required, obtain the reference request form in the guidance office, complete it, and ask appropriate people to write recommendations on your behalf.  Allow 2 weeks for recommendations.

 

· Plan visits to colleges (if you haven’t already done so).  If you plan to make a visit during our school hours, obtain a college visit form in the guidance office at least three days prior to your scheduled visit.

 

· Check in the guidance office to review schedule of visits by college representatives

 

· Complete application forms and review these with your counselor-remember to make copies for your files.  Remember to pick up in the guidance office the college tracking form and release form; both must be completed for every college application

 

· Work on your first marking period grades

OCTOBER:

· Attend an accredited regional college fair in your area to further investigate choices

 

· Submit applications, fees, tracking form, release form, envelope and stamps and any other necessary materials to your counselor- be aware of deadlines for early decision or early action programs  **The application takes at least 5 school days to process.

 

· Register for December/January SAT I on-line or by obtaining the paper forms in the guidance office

 

· Listen for announcements and review the monthly Scholarship Bulletin provided by the guidance office.  Pay close attention to the deadlines and keep in mind that transcript requests take at least 5 school days.  Check the resource section for additional financial aid/scholarship links.

 

NOVEMBER:

· November 1^st is the usual deadline for an application to be submitted in the Early Decision Plan and the Early Action Plan

 

· Continue to complete and submit applications to colleges and make copies for your files

 

· Be aware of financial aid deadlines and required documentation.  Check with institutions to be sure they do not require additional financial aid documents (PROFILE, etc.)

 

· Follow up on any requests for additional information from the colleges where you applied

 

DECEMBER:

· Plan for you and your parents/guardians to attend Financial Aid Night at the high school

 

· Your goal should be to complete all college applications prior to the winter break

 

· If you applied for early decision, you should have an answer before winter break.  If the decision is deferred or if you are denied, review your other choices and apply as needed.  Review process with your school counselor

 

· Keep working on your classes!  Colleges/Universities may ask for mid-year grades.  Remember to submit a records release.

 

· If you took the SAT/ACT you should receive the FAFSA directly from the government between now and the New Year.  FAFSA forms should also be available in the guidance office at this time

 

JANUARY:

· Monitor applications and materials still needed

 

· Complete scholarship applications as required.  Again, the guidance office provides a monthly scholarship bulletin.  Refer to the resource section of our webpage for additional scholarship searches

 

· Encourage your family to complete tax returns early – the figures will be used to complete the FAFSA 

 

· Complete, date, and sign your financial aid forms and mail as soon as possible after January 1^st

 

· Deadline for filing applications with many competitive colleges is in January

 

FEBRUARY:

· Monitor applications and materials still needed

 

· Complete scholarship applications

 

 

MARCH:

· Stay focused and keep studying!

 

· Approximately four weeks after you submitted the FAFSA you should receive your SAR (Student Aid Report).  Review this carefully for errors.

 

· Contact the FAFSA processor or the college directly of any changes/errors to your SAR

 

APRIL:

· Review your acceptances and financial aid awards

 

· Notify schools of your decisions as soon as you know them – whether it is that you plan to attend their school or if you are denying their acceptance

 

· If you plan to attend, send appropriate tuition and housing deposits as needed

 

· Obtain applications in the guidance office for local scholarships (also listen to the morning announcements for scholarship opportunities).  Be sure to return the completed applications by the specified deadline

 

MAY:

· MAY 1^st – National Candidates’ Reply Date – you must notify all schools that you have been accepted to by this date of your decision.  If you cannot make a decision by this time due to incomplete financial aid, you need to request an extension in time

 

· CONGRATULATIONS on your decision!

 

· Take any appropriate AP (Advanced Placement) examinations as needed

 

JUNE:

· Final Transcript request forms will be distributed in homeroom.  Colleges/Universities must have your final transcript!  Complete the form and return it to the guidance office ASAP!

 

· Look for information about orientations and/or college placement exams in the mail.  Make arrangements with the main office if the exam is being held during school time

 

· Enjoy your graduation!

 

AUGUST:

· Pack for college!  Don’t forget things that remind you of home – pictures of family and friends, your favorite pillow!

 

· Attend college orientation

 

· Enjoy your next phase of life!