Senior Year College Checklist

High school students entering their senior year have many important decisions to make about the next phase of their lives. This is an exciting time with all the traditional activities to look forward to such as senior class trip, prom, and the commencement ceremony. Many students will catch the “senioritis” bug and loose their motivation just before reaching the finish line. For students planning to attend college, this not time start slacking off. It is the time to be proactive about taking the necessary steps to be accepted into the college that is right you. Here is a checklist for college bound seniors stay on track:

• Meet with your school counselor to make ensure you are on track to graduate and meet college admissions requirements.
• If you haven’t done so already, Register and take both the SAT test and the take ACT Test.
• Take SAT Subject Tests if necessary (contact colleges and universities). Registration available at the CollegeBoard.
• Attend college presentations at your school and college fairs that come to your city.
• Narrow your list of colleges and request applications. If you can, visit the schools that interest you.
• Keep an organized record of school and community service activities.
• Begin asking your counselor and teachers to submit required college applications documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation to the colleges you will be applying to.
• Apply to the colleges you have chosen. Carefully prepare applications and proof read them. Be sure to send completed college applications before deadline!
• Fill out CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE if required by College or University.
• Apply online for your State’s Financial Aid program after Dec 1st. For information for each state visit our list of State Higher Education Agencies.
• To prepare to apply for federal student aid, be sure to apply for Federal Student Aid PIN at so that you can complete your application and access your account online.
• Encourage your parent(s) or guardian(s) to complete their income tax forms early. If the tax forms are incomplete, you can provide estimated tax information on your application, but you must remember to make the necessary updates later.
• As soon after January 1 as possible, fill out and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov or on paper, but completing the application online is faster and easier.
• Apply for scholarships. See our list of 101 Minority Scholarships.
• Keep a calendar with important deadlines and keep copies of all forms you submit.

Sources: Department of Education, Mrs. Mendoza, CAP Advisor