• SENIOR ACTION PLAN/ CHECKLIST

    FALL 

    1.) Strengthen Your College List.

    • Meet with your counselor about your college choices
    • If you’ve not yet done so, download college applications and financial aid forms.
    • Make sure you have a balanced list of academic safety, fit, and reach schools.
    • Plan to visit as many of these colleges as possible! 

    2.) Create a master list AND a calendar that includes:

    • Test dates, fees and registration deadlines
    • College application due dates 
    • Required financial aid application forms and their deadlines (aid applications may be due before college applications) 
    • Other materials you’ll need (recommendations, transcripts, etc.)  

    3.) Ask a counselor to help you request a fee waiver.

    4.) Improve Your Score.

    • Many seniors retake the SAT in the fall.
    • Additional coursework and practice with Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy.

    5.) Be sure to have your SAT scores sent to the colleges to which you are applying. 

    6.) Complete the FAFSA.

    • To apply for most financial aid, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA.
    • Oct. 1 is the first day you can file the FAFSA. 

    7.) Complete the CSS Profile.

    • CSS Profile is an online application used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to determine eligibility for their aid dollars. 

    8.) Prepare early decision/early action or rolling admission applications as soon as possible.

    • Nov. 1–15: Colleges may require test scores and applications between these dates for early decision admission. 

    9.) Recommendations!

    • Give each teacher or counselor an outline of your academic record and your extracurricular activities. Under the "Letters of Recommendation" tab, you can find a form to assist your counselor/teacher in writing the best letter for your college(s).

    10.) College ESSAYS.

    • Write first drafts and ask teachers and others to read them if you’re submitting essays.
    • If you’re applying for early decision, finish the essays for that application now. 

    11.) Ask counselors to send your transcripts to colleges.

    • Give counselors the proper forms at least two weeks before the colleges require them. 

    WINTER

    1.) Keep photocopies as you finish, and send your applications and essays. 

    2.) Give the correct form to your counselor if the college wants to see second-semester grades. 

    3.) Have your high school send a transcript if needed too.

    • It is sent separately by mail to colleges if you apply online to colleges. 

    SPRING

    1.) Keep active in school.

    • You might be waitlisted. The college will want to know what you have accomplished between the time you applied and the time you learned of its decision. 

    2.) Visit your final college before accepting it.

    • You should receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April.
    • Notify your counselor of your choice.
    • If you have questions about housing offers, talk to your counselor or call the college itself for more information.

    3.) Inform every college of your acceptance or rejection of the offer of admission and/or financial aid by May 1.

    • Colleges cannot require your deposit or your commitment to attend before May 1.
    • Talk to your counselor or adviser if you have questions

    4.) Send your deposit to one college only. 

    5.) Take any AP Exams.

    • Show what you’ve learned in your AP classes.
    • A successful score could even earn you credit, advanced placement, or both in college. 

    6.) Waitlisted by a college? Do not worry. 

    • If you intend to enroll if you are accepted, tell the admission director your intent and ask how to strengthen your application.

    7.) Need financial aid? Ask whether funds will be available if you’re accepted. 

    • Work with a counselor to resolve any admission or financial aid problems. 

    8.) Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your college. 

    9.) Review your financial aid awards. 

    • Not all financial aid awards are the same, so it’s important to choose the aid package that’s best for you and your family.
    • Be sure to note what you have to do to continue receiving financial aid from year to year, and how your aid might change in future years.