| About Us | Home
College & University Search
Request Free Information
on National Colleges, College Admissions, and College Life

College Preparation: Senior Year Timeline

by CB Staff
Are you the type who likes to have everything big in your life planned out? Good for you! We're on your side with this "Look Ahead" timeline of month-by-month  

college preparation

  "To-Do's!"

SEPTEMBER
  • Sign up for the SAT/ACT again.

  • Double-check that your courses meet graduation requirements.

  • Get shining letters of recommendation from your fan club of teachers and employers.

  • If you couldn't get to your college picks over the summer, make plans to visit during your next long weekend or break.


    • OCTOBER
  • Check out any college nights or conferences you've heard about.

  • Psst! If you forgot to register for the SAT or the ACT, do it now!

  • Speak with your college advisor as often as you can.

  • Start filling out your applications.

  • Get to writing! Attempt a first draft of your application essay and resume.

  • Don't let your schoolwork suffer!


    • NOVEMBER
  • Pick up your FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid!

  • Find out what you can about early admission dates.

  • Attend financial aid meetings and seminars with your 'rents.

  • Meet again with your college advisor.

  • Finish up your applications and schedule visits/interviews to your selected colleges.

  • Oh yeah -- did we mention the SAT? Take it (again).

  • Pick up student financial aid application forms.


    • DECEMBER
  • Third time is a charm... register again for the SAT or ACT.

  • Okay procrastinators: Holiday break gives you lots of time to finish your essay and resume, not to mention those applications.


    • JANUARY
  • Write it on your calendar - "January is Financial Aid Awareness Month."

  • If you haven't yet picked it up, it's absolutely time to get FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, at your guidance counselor's office.

  • Figure out the "form fuss" by attending financial aid workshops.

  • Xerox your family's tax returns for future reference.

  • Keep track of individual college financial aid forms.

  • Are all your college applications submitted? Are any other due dates approaching?

  • Search school bulletin boards and the Internet for specific scholarship and financial aid info.

  • Make your mid-year grades available to colleges.

  • Check your mail for decisions on those early admission applications.


    • FEBRUARY
  • Send your mid-year high school grade report to colleges. Your guidance department can help.

  • Check out financial aid available from church groups, labor unions, and other organizations.

  • It's due! This month is the deadline for many colleges' admission applications.


    • MARCH
  • Do you need to register for Advanced Placement (AP) exams? If so, get to it!

  • Remember those tax return xeroxes? Keep them on hand -- colleges may require you to submit copies.

  • Time to hunt for a summer job.

  • Financial aid deadlines are approaching -- don't miss 'em!

  • Been accepted to a few colleges? Arrange to visit them.

  • Selected a college? Mail in the housing deposit.


    • APRIL
  • Colleges should be letting you know the deal soon. Try not to stress!

  • If you haven't done so yet, it's time to make an enrollment decision (May 1st is the cut off), accept the financial aid offered, and send in housing and tuition deposits!

  • When you get your financial aid package, review it with your choice college's advisors until you completely understand it.

  • It's not too late to register for the Advanced Placement (AP) exams if you hurry.


    • MAY
  • Ask that your final transcript be sent to the college you will be attending.

  • Notify the colleges you have decided not to grace with your presence.

  • If you get an aid package from one of your "No" schools, let them know so another lucky student can reap the award.

  • Send thank-you notes to those who have helped you out along the way.


    • JUNE-AUGUST
  • Let your high school guidance office know of any other scholarships you land.

  • If you have to borrow some bucks from the Federal Family Education Loan Programs, fill out the applications.

  • Remember that summer job? Put some money away -- you'll need it for education funding and books!

  • All of your college preparation has paid off. Get ready for your first year of college!







    • Sound Off! Post Your Comments


    You are not currently logged on. Please login to add a comment.

    Home | About Us | Privacy | Contact Us | Help Center/Customer Service | Advertise Your School | Affiliate Network | Student Services
    Compare Schools | Articles | CollegeSurfing Insider | Post & Share | Link To Us
    © 1996 - • The CollegeBound Network • 20 years of helping students succeed through education
    DON'T LEAVE YET