Senior year in high school is the start of a new life cycle for most teenagers. For many, it means they will be making a career choice after their high school graduation, while for others it means planning for a college education or vocational or technical school training. And for some, it might mean joining one of the armed services.
If college is your goal, there are many activities you need to plan, including investigating your college and university options, planning your testing schedule, and making early admission decisions ‒ just to name a few. You also will need to work with your parents to plan college finances, visits and academic decisions.
For those considering college, there are ways to take charge of the process and make it easier for both you and your parents. Here is a breakdown of activities and timelines to help you take charge of your senior year. You can print this page and use it when planning for college. The worksheet includes a suggested month to start each process, but the earlier you start planning, the better.
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August Your Senior Year
Make a list of colleges that interest you.
College Need More Information?
1. ______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________________
Applying for early decisions? Record the colleges and application deadlines here:
College Application Due Test Scores
1. _____________________________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________________________________
September Your Senior Year
Start compiling your letters of recommendations from teachers, employers, friends in the community, activities advisors, etc. List the people here. Check them off when you have received the letters.
Name Returned
1. ______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________________
Have you registered for the SATs or ACTs ? Yes ___ No ____________
If yes, Date __________ Time _________ Place _______________
You can still make it for the fall testing period. Meet with your guidance counselor for information.
October Your Senior Year
If you are planning to apply for early decisions, complete and submit your applications now. Be sure you have correctly noted their dates.
College Applications Deadline
1. _____________________________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________________________________
November Your Senior Year
Start writing application essays for each college. Give to an English teacher or guidance counselor to review:
College Draft Final Ready
1. ______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________________
Have your first-semester grades been sent to the schools to which you are applying.
College Date Sent
1. __________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________________________________
Take SAT or ACT tests.
Date __________ Time _________ Place _________________
December Your Senior Year
Complete all college applications and mail with all accompanying materials, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.
College Date Sent
1. __________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________________________________
Visit your guidance counselor to discuss scholarship and grant opportunities.
January Your Senior Year
Begin gathering tax information. Your parents will need an estimate of their previous year’s income tax (1040) for your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The form must be completed by students and parents applying for Federal Title IV student aid.
Parents should get their taxes completed and complete the forms.
Income Tax Forms ______________________ Date Completed ________
FAFSA Forms __________________________ Date Completed ________
February Your Senior Year
Complete and send the financial aid forms for each college you have applied to. Be sure to make copies and keep them in a safe place.
College FAFSA Income Tax Financial Aid
1. _______________________ ______ _________ __________
2. _______________________ ______ _________ __________
3. _______________________ ______ _________ __________
4. _______________________ ______ _________ __________
Investigate scholarship and grant opportunities. Check with guidance counselor for:
Eligible Apply
1. Community Organizations ______ _____
2. Corporate Scholarships ______ _____
3. State Grants (PELL) ______ _____
4. Corporate Grants ______ _____
5. Credit Union Scholarships ______ _____
February / March Your Senior Year
Have you received your Receipt of Student Aid Reports (SAR), the federal output document sent to a student by the application processor? The student’s eligibility for aid is indicated by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which is printed on the front of the SAR.
What is your EFC? ___________ Can you afford it? _________
Start reviewing borrowing options. Contact your credit union. If you don’t have an account there, ask your parents, aunt, uncle, or grandparent to recommend you for membership. This simple step will make you eligible for many credit union benefits.
March / April Your Senior Year
Which colleges have accepted you? How much aid are they offering?
College Cost Aid Offered Your EFC
1. ____________________ ____ __________ _________
2. ____________________ ____ __________ _________
3. ____________________ ____ __________ _________
4. ____________________ ____ __________ _________
Do you need to take out a loan? Yes ___ No ___
Ask the financial aid office about these loan options:
Loan Amt. Avail. Eligible Apply
1. Subsidized Stafford ____ _________ ______
2. Unsubsidized Stafford ____ _________ ______
3. Federal PLUS Loans ____ _________ ______
Contact your credit union for information about their student loan programs.
May / April Your Senior Year
Which college have you chosen? _______________________________________
How much will you need to borrow?
$ __________________________________
How much can you borrow from your credit union? $_______________________
How much can your parents borrow from home equity? $_____Other? $_____
Find a summer job? _________________________________________________
How much do you need to earn each week? $______________________________
Check out local scholarship/grant status? ________________________________
July / August After Graduation
Get ready for college!
All forms submitted? Yes___ No ___
Dorm Selection ___________________ Meal plan ________________________
Health Plan ___________________ Course Selection ______________________
Shopping completed:
Sheets/blankets _____Clothes _____ Lamps/rugs/posters _______ Other _______
Important matters:
Address Book _____ Checking account/debit card ____ Phone Card _____
August / September After Graduation
Orientation Dates: __________________________________________________
Freshman Activities Dates: ___________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Classes Start: ______________________________________________________
Source: Excerpted from the Marketing Partners College Planner.