High School – Senior

senior

Grade 12

Following is a quick review of what you should be doing your senior year to keep you on track for college.

August to-December:

  • Say out loud “I am going to college”
  • Create a calendar with various tasks and deadlines associated with the application process.
  • Meet with a counselor to review transcripts and check college admissions requirements.
  • Start the college admissions process – Set aside plenty of time to draft, edit, and re-write application essays.
  • Seek scholarships – Keep an updated resume, personal essay, test scores, transcripts, and secure letters of recommendation from counselors, teachers, coaches, or employers.
  • Stay updated on the requirements for the Nevada Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship, visit http://www.nevadatreasurer.gov/GGMS/GGMS_Home/ 
  • Register for the ACT or SAT.
  • Keep track of all college application deadlines.
  • Develop a preliminary college budget include tuition, housing, books, meals, and transportation.
  • Complete the “FAFSA4caster” to calculate an estimated financial aid package at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
  • Gather documents needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – Social Security Card, Driver’s License (if any), Tax Returns and current bank statements visit, studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) starting October 1st.

January:

  • Submit your FAFSA no later than February 1st for priority consideration, a Student Aid Report (SAR) is then sent to interested colleges.
  • Request 7th semester high school transcripts be sent to applied colleges.
  • Some colleges may require immunization records, especially if living on-campus.

February:

  • Verify the SAR was received by interested colleges and check all the information is accurate. Make any corrections by logging back into your application.
  • All financial aid packages are based on the SAR report; this includes Federal Pell Grants, work study, and need-based scholarships. If any special circumstances affect the family’s financial situation, alert each college’s financial aid office.
  • Register for Advanced Placement Exams, if applicable.

March:

  • If required, send copies of the completed FAFSA to any scholarship programs.
  • Organize and file all correspondence from interested colleges.

April:

  • Review all college acceptance letters.
  • Review financial aid award letters; be sure to understand the terms and conditions applied to each type of aid offered.
  • Decide on one college to attend and send tuition deposit if applicable. Give notice to colleges not attending.
  • Secure on- or off-campus housing and meal plans and keep track of contract deadlines and deposits needed.
  • If on a college waiting list, contact admissions office regularly. If an account has been set up in a college portal, be sure to check there as frequently communications are posted there.

May:

  • Verify all AP Grade Reports have been received by the selected college. Inquire about college credit.
  • Study hard for high school final exams. They still count!

June:

  • Request final high school transcripts be sent to the selected college.
  • Notify the college of any private grants or scholarships received as this may affect the other financial awards.
  • Find out when payment for tuition, room, and board will be due.
  • Understand how financial aid will be disbursed and inquire if bill payment can be deferred until funds are available.

July to August:

  • Look for information from the college about on- or off-campus housing.
  • Seek information on course selection. Identify a college advisor.
  • Sign up for college orientation.
  • Pack for college and look forward to an interesting and rewarding experience!