Senior Checklist for College Planning

SEPTEMBER

• Review your 6th semester transcripts for necessary college/Graduation requirements.

• Keep gathering information on colleges and finalize your college application list.

•  Retake SAT Reasoning, SAT Subject exams, ACT

•  Visit websites of private colleges to identify which Financial Aid forms are needed

•  Begin draft of any required essays/personal statements, if not started during summer.

• Create a Common Online Application account if applying to private Universities and or SUNY. (Remember all Universities have their own application deadline). If you are considering applying to SUNY Colleges, keep all of your college applications on ONE application. Do NOT use SUNY and Common Application. 

OCTOBER

• Apply for FSA ID. You and your parents need separate ID numbers. This will serve as your signature on the FAFSA (Financial Aid application).

• Recommendation Letters are due (Brag Sheets should have been submitted to selected teachers in September). 

• Finish your essays/personal statement. Remember to proofread.

• Apply to colleges, online preferred. Attend College Application Workshops to receive support from Ms. Mejia in completing ALL applications. 

• Keep in contact with Ms. Mejia, your Advisor and parents on college plans or any changes you are considering during this process. 

• October 1: Begin the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Take the September SAT Exam (Registration is available in August). 

• Register for FAFSA Workshop with Ms. Mejia to complete the FAFSA document. Google form will be available for the workshop, limited seats. 

NOVEMBER

• Most “Early Action or Early Decision” applications are due.

• Register for the FAFSA Workshop with Ms. Mejia to complete the application. Google form will be available prior to the workshop, limited seats. 

• Take the SAT in November.

• Take the ACT in December.

• Send official SAT/ACT reports to each college by their requested deadlines via College Board. Self-reporting on the College application is NOT official, all scores MUST be submitted through College Board. 

• Transcript Request Form must be submitted after each and/or after all College Applications are submitted. This form is located on the School Website. 

• ALL college applications are strongly recommended to be submitted by Thanksgiving and no later than Winter Break in December.

DECEMBER

• Prepare for Upcoming Regents Exams in January. 

•  Senior year grades are still important to your college acceptances, complete all projects and/or assignments during Winter Break. 

• Submit any last minute documents such as SAT/ACT scores, transcripts, foreign transcripts (transfer students), supplemental applications, and/or college essay. 

JANUARY

• Complete any college applications that have a later deadline. 

• Confirm with colleges that documents were received. 

• Send out any SAT/ACT scores that were not submitted. 

FEBRUARY/MARCH

• February 1: Application deadline for many colleges.

• Most colleges are now having you create an online portal account to view application status. Check regularly for messages regarding incomplete applications, housing information, and financial aid deadlines.

• Continue researching and applying for scholarships.

• College Acceptance Letters are coming in!

APRIL

• Review your acceptances and financial aid offers. Check housing opportunities at your colleges. Wait to hear from all the colleges before you make your final decision.

• Visit the college of your choice before your final decision.

• Send a housing deposit if applicable.

• Community College priority application filing begins this month. Listen to announcements for new student and parent evenings held at the local community colleges.

• Attend Open House presentations for the colleges that you receive acceptance letters to attend in the Fall Semester. 

• Start to compare admission offers to see what college is a better fit for you to attend (consider tuition, housing, majors, location, support services, support programs and long term career goals). 

MAY

• MAY 1: College decision deadline. Notify the college of your decision/intent to enroll and submit a deposit to the ONE college you will be attending.

• Review your FAFSA Student Aid Report and make changes if necessary. 

• Submit housing deposits. 

• Accept All Financial Aid offered. 

• BEFORE accepting any Loans, please review this with your Parent/Guardian.

• Attend any college orientation being offered. 

• Schedule an appointment with your College Counselor at your college to select/register for classes. 

• Attend Support program REQUIRED Orientation. 

JUNE

• Complete a transcript request form to send a FINAL transcript to your college.

• Forward any email from college admission counselors requesting your final transcript to Ms. Mejia.