College Check List: Seniors
Senior year is all about maintaining your grades, the work of taking SAT
and ACT tests for the last time, applying to schools, applying for
scholarships, awaiting notification and- finally- graduating!
August
- Register for the September or October ACT and/or October SAT tests if planning to take.
- Parents and students attend the College Night for Seniors.
- Check the college representative visit calendar in Family Connection weekly and sign up for visits from colleges you are interested in.
- The Common Application is online by the middle-end of August. Begin filling out your application forms AFTER the College Night for Seniors.
September
- Maintain strong study skills.
- Finalize your college list and discuss it with your counselor.
- Decide whether to apply early action, early decision or regular decision.
- Update Family Connection and the Common Application with colleges that you’re interested in and colleges you are applying to.
- Request a personal copy of your high school transcript.
- Begin or continue working on college personal statements.
- Take the September ACT test if signed up.
October
- Develop an application and financial aid/scholarship deadline calendar for your colleges.
- Take SAT, ACT or SAT Subject tests or register for the November or December test dates if planning to take tests then. December is the last month to take SAT or ACT tests for UCs or CSUs.
- If letters of recommendation are required, identify staff who can write strong letters for you. Request letters of recommendation.
- Update Family Connection and Common Application college lists.
- Attend college representative visits.
- CSU filing period opens.
- Begin to research scholarships.
November
- Submit admission applications to UC and/or CSU systems online by their November 30 deadline. (note: try to finish at least a week before the deadline to avoid web site connection problems)
- Submit early action/early decision applications if applicable.
- Continue working on college applications.
- Send SAT or ACT and SAT subject test scores via College Board to the colleges to which you’re applying.
- Request recommendation letters by November 15.
December
- Finish all college applications.
- Take SAT or ACT tests if registered.
- Parents attend Financial Aid Night.
- Visit college campuses during break.
- Download a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) worksheet and, if qualified, Cal Grant GPA Verification Form.
- Begin CSS Financial Aid PROFILE, if required.
January
- Parents gather tax information for financial aid forms- FAFSA and CSS profile.
- File FAFSA and Cal Grant forms after January 1 and ideally before February 1. Some schools award aid on a rolling basis so filing early is worthwhile. The deadline for California public schools is March 2.
- Research scholarships.
February
- Continue scholarship search. Ask about scholarships from parents’ employers.
- Follow specific college guidelines regarding housing.
- Ensure that you send your GPA Verification Form to the Cal Grant office.
March
- Begin receiving college acceptances.
- Use Easter break to visit prospective colleges. Consider attending an accepted student weekend at a college you have been accepted to. Some private schools offer these on one weekend in April.
- Take placement exams in English and math for community college, UC, or CSU (unless you are exempt).
April
- Return intent to register forms with deposits to your chosen campus before May 1. (Note: Some colleges require this be done by mail not online so calendar accordingly.) Notify the colleges you are not attending.
- Notify MC of any scholarships or grants that you were awarded or received.
- Plan summer activities: school, work or community service.
May
- Prepare for AP exams and finals.
- Update Family Connection with selected school so MC knows where your final transcript should be sent.
- Return forms for on-campus orientation programs and housing to your college.
- Thank those who have helped you in the college process including your counselor, teachers and family.
June
Graduate! We wish you all the best! Enjoy the summer!To download and print a copy of the entire college check list, click here.