Senior Checklist
Overview: Fall – Tests, Applications, College Visits
Spring - Financial Aid, Acceptance Letters, Housing
All Year - Look for scholarships
ü Gather application forms, catalogues, and information about financial aid for chosen colleges
ü Call or write to college admissions offices to obtain information
ü Prepare for SAT/ACT (i.e., prep courses, online help, study from prep book)
ü Apply for scholarships
ü Visit colleges and universities
ü Start developing admissions essays and resume
ü Register for ACT in September
ü Obtain a FAFSA pin number for you and your parent/guardian (www.pin.ed.gov)
ü Set up calendar with important dates and deadlines for the year (i.e., test dates and deadlines, application and scholarship/financial aid deadlines, college fairs, and admissions representative visits)
ü Look into weekend college visitation programs
ü Register for SAT/ACT tests and/or prep courses
ü Submit completed counselor worksheet to your counselor
ü Ask teachers, counselors, employers, clergy, etc. for letters of recommendation if needed
ü Male students must register with the Selective Services by their eighteenth birthday to be eligible for federal and state financial aid
ü Inquire about on-campus housing availability at your target schools
ü Consider early decision/early admission programs
ü Inquire about admission application fee waivers to see if you qualify
ü Begin application
ü Attend Alief I.S.D. College Night
ü Complete and send college applications for admission
ü Request transcripts and letters of recommendation
ü Continue to visit colleges and universities
ü Register for or re-take SAT/ACT
ü Continue to apply for scholarships
ü Encourage your parent/guardian to get their tax information together
ü Register for or re-take SAT/ACT
ü Continue to apply for scholarships
ü Parents/guardians need to complete income tax forms to begin the financial aid process
ü Work on and submit required college financial aid forms and the FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov)
ü Do any of your colleges require CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE? You can now complete and submit this application online
ü Make sure your first semester official transcript is sent to the colleges to which you have applied
ü Schedule re-takes of SAT/ACT if you think re-taking the exams might be beneficial.
ü Continue to apply for scholarships
ü After your FAFSA form has been submitted, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR). Review for any necessary corrections. Submit corrections ASAP.
ü Study for May AP exams
ü Look for a summer job
ü Continue to apply for scholarships
ü Keep track of acceptances, denials, and financial award letters
ü If you are waitlisted by a college, contact the admission director to reiterate your interest in the school
ü Compare financial aid award to the cost of attendance at your target schools
ü Reply promptly to colleges that offer admission. Reply dates are usually up to May 1.
ü Send enrollment form and deposit check to the college of your choice. Notify the other colleges to which you were accepted of your decision.
ü Sign and return award letters and any other required financial forms
ü Study for May AP exams
ü Continue to apply for scholarships
ü Study for AP exams and finals
ü Finalize college housing plans if you plan to live on campus. Watch deadlines for housing deposits.
ü If student loans are part of your financial aid package, the college will send instructions about the loan application process.
ü Send thank you notes to teachers and other mentors who wrote you recommendations and to benefactors of scholarships/financial aid
ü Plan for college orientation and transportation
ü Ask your high school registrar to send a final official transcript to your chosen college
ü Start a list of everything you will need to bring to school
ü Make transportation arrangements. Purchase airline tickets early to save you money
ü Plan a budget
ü Pre-lease an apartment if you plan on living off-campus
ü Notify the financial aid office of your college about any scholarships you have won
ü Send thank you notes to scholarship programs that have given you aid
ü Don’t miss your orientation and registration days
ü Start packing