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.
If you still need recommendation letters from teachers, mentors, or employers from last year, now is the time to ask.
Use a calendar to keep track of admissions and financial aid deadlines.
You can start drafting your college essays. It's important to allow yourself enough time to complete them before the deadline.
Connect with your school counselor to create an exciting plan and timeline and make sure to share important updates with your parents!
Start preparing college applications for early admissions.
Keep your parents in the loop! They should know all the important deadlines!
Submit your FAFSA, CSS Profile, and any additional required forms. Free completion assistance is available at the College Planning Center.
Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your timeline and plan.
Send early decision and early action applications by the deadline. Begin submitting regular admission applications and keep copies of everything.
Set aside time to draft, edit, and re-write your college essay.
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
Continue submitting applications. Ensure your test scores are sent to the colleges you are applying to.
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.
Wherever you are applying, make sure you submit your applications to various scholarships on time. Different schools have different deadlines.
September
If you still need recommendation letters from teachers, mentors, or employers from last year, now is the time to ask.
Use a calendar to keep track of admissions and financial aid deadlines.
You can start drafting your college essays. It's important to allow yourself enough time to complete them before the deadline.
Connect with your school counselor to create an exciting plan and timeline and make sure to share important updates with your parents!
Start preparing college applications for early admissions.
October
Keep your parents in the loop! They should know all the important deadlines!
Submit your FAFSA, CSS Profile, and any additional required forms. Free completion assistance is available at the College Planning Center.
Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your timeline and plan.
Send early decision and early action applications by the deadline. Begin submitting regular admission applications and keep copies of everything.
Set aside time to draft, edit, and re-write your college essay.
November
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
Continue submitting applications. Ensure your test scores are sent to the colleges you are applying to.
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.
Wherever you are applying, make sure you submit your applications to various scholarships on time. Different schools have different deadlines.
If you are applying for a regular decision, send and confirm that you've received your test scores from the colleges you'd like.
Your college applications should be submitted before winter vacation.
You should have received an answer if you applied for an early decision. If you haven’t heard yet, call the admissions office.
Ask your high school to send transcripts of your first semester grades to your college selections.
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
If you are applying for a regular decision, send and confirm that you've received your test scores from the colleges you'd like.
Your college applications should be submitted before winter vacation.
You should have received an answer if you applied for an early decision. If you haven’t heard yet, call the admissions office.
January
Ask your high school to send transcripts of your first semester grades to your college selections.
February
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.
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.
Create an account at rischolarship.org to search for outside scholarships and grants.
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.
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!
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.
If you wish to live on campus, complete a housing and meal application and send it along with any required deposits.
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
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.
Create an account at rischolarship.org to search for outside scholarships and grants.
April
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.
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!
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.
If you wish to live on campus, complete a housing and meal application and send it along with any required deposits.
May
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.
Make sure to read any correspondence from your college carefully, mainly if it includes requests for additional information or documents.
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.
Consider applying for a summer job or volunteering at a community service agency. Be sure to save a portion of your earnings for college.
Expect to receive your college bill early this month. If you have a balance due, please arrange for payment by the due date.
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!
Embrace the opportunity for an incredible college journey that awaits you!
June
Make sure to read any correspondence from your college carefully, mainly if it includes requests for additional information or documents.
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.
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
Expect to receive your college bill early this month. If you have a balance due, please arrange for payment by the due date.
August
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!
Embrace the opportunity for an incredible college journey that awaits you!
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.
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