For Seniors

College Planning TImeline.
iStock-949386106_2200X1080

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

You are making great progress in building your academic skills, participating in extracurricular activities, and potentially trying out a new sport. Now, it's time to focus on planning and preparing for college.

September | Senior Fall Timeline

iStock-497517286_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1201407570_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1031775748_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-497517286_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1201407570_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1031775748_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1133557365_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1365603638_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

 
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS

Ask your high school to send transcripts of your first semester grades to your college selections.

 

February | Senior Winter Timeline

iStock-131529950_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1133557365_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1365603638_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

 
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS

Ask your high school to send transcripts of your first semester grades to your college selections.

 

February

February | Senior Winter Timeline

iStock-131529950_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-851899306_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1213523482_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1187275083_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-851899306_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1213523482_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1187275083_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1148796681_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

COLLEGE FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

Make sure to read any correspondence from your college carefully, mainly if it includes requests for additional information or documents.

FINATRANSCRIPT

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

iStock-1264240646_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1133954520_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1148796681_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

COLLEGE FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

Make sure to read any correspondence from your college carefully, mainly if it includes requests for additional information or documents.

FINATRANSCRIPT

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

iStock-1264240646_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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

iStock-1133954520_1390X600_OPTIMIZED

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!

Screen Shot 2025-01-02 at 12.09.44 PM

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.

Seniors! Time to get Serious!

Take a moment to watch this exciting video that highlights the essential milestones for your senior year college planning! No matter if you’ve already made strides in your junior year or are just starting out, this valuable information will keep you organized and ready to achieve your goals with confidence!
RISLA_SOCIAL_SCHOLARSHIP_HUB_0123_JAN_02

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! 

04_APRIL_2024

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!

 

05_MAY_2024

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!

    Student Loans

    Our student loans offer flexible repayment options, competitive interest rates, and a simple application process, making them an ideal choice for parents and students.

    Refinancing

    With our refinancing options, you can enjoy the benefits of low fixed interest rates, no fees, and an auto-pay discount. Take advantage of this opportunity to save money and simplify your finances. 

    What customers are saying about RISLA

    TRUSTPILOT_LOGO_250X61_OPTIMIZED