Senior year is here!
Your senior year has arrived! This year, you will finalize your college choice, complete admission applications, write scholarship essays, and gather financial aid information, all while keeping track of important deadlines. During your senior year, building your resume by maintaining good grades and participating in extracurricular activities, athletics, and volunteer work is important. Colleges often check in and request final grades, and they appreciate seeing you as a well-rounded student.
Your senior year of college planning will involve many details and paperwork. It’s essential to keep your parents informed about your milestones and deadlines.
We're here to help you at every step. Please reach out to our college planning experts for a free consultation.
Fall Senior College Planning Timeline
September | Senior Fall Timeline
RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
If you still need recommendation letters from teachers, mentors, or employers from last year, now is the time to ask.
STAY ORGANIZED
Use a calendar to keep track of admissions and financial aid deadlines.
COLLEGE ESSAY
You can start drafting your college essays. It's important to allow yourself enough time to complete them before the deadline.
COMMUNICATE
Connect with your school counselor to create an exciting plan and timeline and make sure to share important updates with your parents!
EARLY ADMISSIONS
Start preparing college applications for early admissions.
October | Senior Fall Timeline
FINANCIAL AID
Keep your parents in the loop! They should know all the important deadlines!
BOOK APPOINTMENT WITH COLLEGE PLANNING CENTER
Submit your FAFSA, CSS Profile, and any additional required forms. Free completion assistance is available at the College Planning Center.
SAT REGISTRATIONS
Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your timeline and plan.
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Send early decision and early action applications by the deadline. Begin submitting regular admission applications and keep copies of everything.
COLLEGE ESSAYS
Set aside time to draft, edit, and re-write your college essay.
November | Senior Fall Timeline
SCHOLARSHIPS
Start checking with the guidance office regularly for new scholarship opportunities.
Search for free scholarships at RISCHOLARSHIPS.ORG
Enter to win a $2,000 KNOWLEDGE FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Continue submitting applications. Ensure your test scores are sent to the colleges you are applying to.
FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
Don't miss the opportunity to attend a financial aid night, often organized by your high school. This event is crucial for gaining valuable insights into funding your education and maximizing your financial resources.
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES
Wherever you are applying, make sure you submit your applications to various scholarships on time. Different schools have different deadlines.
September
September | Senior Fall Timeline
RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
If you still need recommendation letters from teachers, mentors, or employers from last year, now is the time to ask.
STAY ORGANIZED
Use a calendar to keep track of admissions and financial aid deadlines.
COLLEGE ESSAY
You can start drafting your college essays. It's important to allow yourself enough time to complete them before the deadline.
COMMUNICATE
Connect with your school counselor to create an exciting plan and timeline and make sure to share important updates with your parents!
EARLY ADMISSIONS
Start preparing college applications for early admissions.
October
October | Senior Fall Timeline
FINANCIAL AID
Keep your parents in the loop! They should know all the important deadlines!
BOOK APPOINTMENT WITH COLLEGE PLANNING CENTER
Submit your FAFSA, CSS Profile, and any additional required forms. Free completion assistance is available at the College Planning Center.
SAT REGISTRATIONS
Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your timeline and plan.
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Send early decision and early action applications by the deadline. Begin submitting regular admission applications and keep copies of everything.
COLLEGE ESSAYS
Set aside time to draft, edit, and re-write your college essay.
November
November | Senior Fall Timeline
SCHOLARSHIPS
Start checking with the guidance office regularly for new scholarship opportunities.
Search for free scholarships at RISCHOLARSHIPS.ORG
Enter to win a $2,000 KNOWLEDGE FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Continue submitting applications. Ensure your test scores are sent to the colleges you are applying to.
FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
Don't miss the opportunity to attend a financial aid night, often organized by your high school. This event is crucial for gaining valuable insights into funding your education and maximizing your financial resources.
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES
Wherever you are applying, make sure you submit your applications to various scholarships on time. Different schools have different deadlines.
Winter Senior College Planning Timeline
December | Senior Winter Timeline
TEST SCORES
If you are applying for a regular decision, send and confirm that you've received your test scores from the colleges you'd like.
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Your college applications should be submitted before winter vacation.
EARLY DECISION
You should have received an answer if you applied for an early decision. If you haven’t heard yet, call the admissions office.
January | Senior Winter Timeline
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS
Ask your high school to send transcripts of your first semester grades to your college selections.
February | Senior Winter Timeline
COLLEGE CHOICES
If you’re still exploring schools, consider a second visit to your top choices. Engaging with students and faculty, plus attending a class, can provide valuable insights and help you find the perfect fit.
December
December | Senior Winter Timeline
TEST SCORES
If you are applying for a regular decision, send and confirm that you've received your test scores from the colleges you'd like.
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Your college applications should be submitted before winter vacation.
EARLY DECISION
You should have received an answer if you applied for an early decision. If you haven’t heard yet, call the admissions office.
January
January | Senior Winter Timeline
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS
Ask your high school to send transcripts of your first semester grades to your college selections.
February
February | Senior Winter Timeline
COLLEGE CHOICES
If you’re still exploring schools, consider a second visit to your top choices. Engaging with students and faculty, plus attending a class, can provide valuable insights and help you find the perfect fit.
Spring Senior College Planning Timeline
March | Senior Spring Timeline
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Take charge of your applications by closely monitoring them to guarantee that all materials are submitted and received promptly. This proactive approach will help you stay on top of your deadlines and increase your chances of success.
RISCHOLARSHIP.ORG
Create an account at rischolarship.org to search for outside scholarships and grants.
April | Senior Spring Timeline
FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTERS
Review your financial aid award letter with your parents. Be sure to understand the terms and conditions for each type of aid offered. Contact COLLEGEPLANNINGCENTER.ORG for help.
PICK A COLLEGE
Decide which college you will attend and send in your tuition deposit. Notify other colleges that accepted you of your enrollment decision, as other students will want your spot! Make sure to respond before the college’s deadline!
COLLEGE ADMISSION WAITLIST
Do not lose hope if your first-choice college places you on the waiting list. Contact the college admissions office to express your continued interest and keep them updated on your activities.
COLLEGE HOUSING & MEAL PLAN
If you wish to live on campus, complete a housing and meal application and send it along with any required deposits.
May | Senior Spring Timeline
COLLEGE EXPENSES
Join forces with your parents to develop a comprehensive budget that covers tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses. This proactive approach will ensure you are well-prepared for your educational journey.
March
March | Senior Spring Timeline
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Take charge of your applications by closely monitoring them to guarantee that all materials are submitted and received promptly. This proactive approach will help you stay on top of your deadlines and increase your chances of success.
RISCHOLARSHIP.ORG
Create an account at rischolarship.org to search for outside scholarships and grants.
April
April | Senior Spring Timeline
FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTERS
Review your financial aid award letter with your parents. Be sure to understand the terms and conditions for each type of aid offered. Contact COLLEGEPLANNINGCENTER.ORG for help.
PICK A COLLEGE
Decide which college you will attend and send in your tuition deposit. Notify other colleges that accepted you of your enrollment decision, as other students will want your spot! Make sure to respond before the college’s deadline!
COLLEGE ADMISSION WAITLIST
Do not lose hope if your first-choice college places you on the waiting list. Contact the college admissions office to express your continued interest and keep them updated on your activities.
COLLEGE HOUSING & MEAL PLAN
If you wish to live on campus, complete a housing and meal application and send it along with any required deposits.
May
May | Senior Spring Timeline
COLLEGE EXPENSES
Join forces with your parents to develop a comprehensive budget that covers tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses. This proactive approach will ensure you are well-prepared for your educational journey.
Summer Senior College Planning Timeline
June | Senior Summer Timeline
COLLEGE FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS
Make sure to read any correspondence from your college carefully, mainly if it includes requests for additional information or documents.
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Request a copy of your final transcript before attending the college you will attend. Inform the college's financial aid office about any private scholarships you will receive. Find out the due dates for payments related to tuition, room, board, and other expenses. Begin considering ways to cover the remaining costs.
SUMMER JOB & VOLUNTEERING
Consider applying for a summer job or volunteering at a community service agency. Be sure to save a portion of your earnings for college.
July | Senior Summer Timeline
BALANCE DUE
Expect to receive your college bill early this month. If you have a balance due, please arrange for payment by the due date.
August | Senior Summer Timeline
INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Reach out to your roommate and say hello! It's a great opportunity to plan what you'll both bring. By discussing key items like the TV, refrigerator, and area rug together, you'll avoid duplicates and keep things budget-friendly. Enjoy this exciting journey!
YOU MADE IT!
Embrace the opportunity for an incredible college journey that awaits you!
June
June | Senior Summer Timeline
COLLEGE FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS
Make sure to read any correspondence from your college carefully, mainly if it includes requests for additional information or documents.
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Request a copy of your final transcript before attending the college you will attend. Inform the college's financial aid office about any private scholarships you will receive. Find out the due dates for payments related to tuition, room, board, and other expenses. Begin considering ways to cover the remaining costs.
SUMMER JOB & VOLUNTEERING
Consider applying for a summer job or volunteering at a community service agency. Be sure to save a portion of your earnings for college.
July
July | Senior Summer Timeline
BALANCE DUE
Expect to receive your college bill early this month. If you have a balance due, please arrange for payment by the due date.
August
August | Senior Summer Timeline
INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Reach out to your roommate and say hello! It's a great opportunity to plan what you'll both bring. By discussing key items like the TV, refrigerator, and area rug together, you'll avoid duplicates and keep things budget-friendly. Enjoy this exciting journey!
YOU MADE IT!
Embrace the opportunity for an incredible college journey that awaits you!
The Big Guide
Offers free tools and resources, a timeline to help parents and students stay on track, as well as financial aid guidance for FAFSA and FSA ID.
RISLA Scholarship Hub
Helping parents & students pay for college.
Did you know college scholarships are free money to help pay for college expenses? Well, it's true! And the RISLA Scholarship Hub is here to help students and parents find extra funds to help pay for college.
💸 The best kind of funds . . . the kind you don't have to pay back!
Enter to Win!
Knowledge for College Scholarship!
Check out the Knowledge for College Scholarship! We award $2,000 each to four randomly selected students every month. Whether you need help covering tuition, books, or living expenses, our scholarship can help ease the burden.
🤩 Take your chance to win - enter every month for your prize!
rischolarships.org
A free scholarship search tool!
Discover hundreds of local scholarships waiting for you. The search is fast and simple, making it effortless to find your perfect match!
We are with you for the journey.
College Planning
A free service aimed at helping students achieve their goal of attending college and paying for it. The CPC assists thousands of students and families each year in planning for higher education.
Scholarship Hub
Check out how to prepare for college—access free tools and resources. Find local scholarships for college, and parents and students can enter to win $2,000 in college scholarships!
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