College Planning Calendar for Seniors

SEPTEMBER:

____     Check out Naviance: If you are feeling overwhelmed, START HERE! This career and college   search is free and has helped many students explore options make informed choices about their future–from choosing a career path to researching colleges and finding financial aid. 

____     Take (or re-take) the ACT and/or SAT College Entrance Exams- The ACT is required by most   colleges and most students take this extremely important exam as juniors. Many take it as seniors to try and improve their scores. Register for the October ACT by the mid-September deadline. Registration materials can be picked up in the Counseling Center, however, it is preferred to register online at www.act.org. Our school code is 241-305. 

____     Narrow your list of colleges to 5-10.  Meet with the counselor about them and, if you’ve not yet done so, download college applications and financial aid forms.  Plan to visit as many of these colleges as possible. 

Get your income tax returns prepared early– Colleges may request them and you will need tax information to complete the FAFSA.

Complete the FAFSA form. Submit the form as soon as possible after January 1st. Some schools require it as early as Feb. 1st, but be sure to submit it no later than March 1st. You improve your chances of receiving financial aid if you submit your forms early. Colleges are handing out aid as the applications come in- and there is a limit on how much they have to give.

            Remember, FAFSA is the federal financial aid form that colleges use as their formula for determining financial aid.  If you haven’t done so already, visit the FAFSA website to find out more.  There will be a financial aid meeting for parents and students in January to answer any questions. 

____     Create a master list or calendar that includes:

• Tests you’ll take and their fees, dates, and registration deadlines
• College application due dates
• Financial aid application forms required and their deadlines
• Other materials you’ll need (recommendations, transcripts, etc.)
• Your high school’s own application processing deadlines

____     If you have not had your test scores sent to the college to which you are applying, be sure to contact the ACT or College Board to have your scores sent. 

____     Senior Interview:  Each senior meets individually with their school counselor, Mrs. Matzke, to review graduation and course requirements and post-graduation plans.  A college application timeline is formalized at this meeting.  Parents are encouraged to call their son/daughter’s counselor in early September if they have questions or concerns regarding the college planning  process. 

____     Begin checking for scholarship applications posted on Schoology. 

____     Meet with College Representatives at LHS – the Guidance office will post which schools will be visiting the high school.  Visits will be announced through the student bulletin.  You are responsible for getting an excused pass from your teachers. 

____     Get Release of Student Records signed by parent or guardian if you are under the age of 18.   As part of the college application, you will need to submit your ‘official’ high school transcript.  If you took any (PSEO) post secondary classes from Southwest MN State University, RCTC, etc.   You will need to request official transcripts from these institutions to be sent to the colleges you are applying to.

OCTOBER:

____    Try to finalize your college choices.  Decide on a minimum of three potential colleges.  You should be thinking about some “reach” schools, “comfortable” choices, and a “safety” school. This pertains to academic as well as financial considerations.  

____     Prepare Early Decision, Early Action, or rolling admissions applications as soon as possible. 

____     Ask for teacher or counselor recommendations if you need them.  Give each teacher or  counselor a brochure of your academic record and your extracurricular activities.  For each recommendation, provide a stamped, addressed envelope, and any college forms required. 

____     If you’re submitting essays, write first drafts and ask teachers and others to read them.   If you’re applying Early Decision, finish the essays for that application now. 

____     If you have not had your test scores sent to the college to which you are applying, be sure to contact the ACT or College Board to have them sent. 

____    Try to finish your college applications by the end of October – Even though many colleges have rolling admissions, the earlier you apply, the better chances of getting accepted!  Even if the college’s official deadline is March 1st, it is better to get your application in to your counselor by November 1st.  You’ll be ahead of the game and able to shift your focus to financial aid applications, scholarships, and simply enjoying your senior year.

 NOVEMBER:

____     November 1-15; For Early Decision admissions, college may require test scores and applications between these dates.  

____     College applications should be completed and turned into your High School Counselor this   month!  In the best case scenario, turn them in by November 1st.  Your counselor will review each of your applications, look for any missing pieces, complete their portion and then mail the   final application to the colleges for you.  

____     Counselors send transcripts to colleges.  Give counselors the proper forms at least two weeks before colleges require them. 

___       Continue checking for scholarship applications every week in the Guidance Office. 

DECEMBER:

____     As you finish and send your application and essays, be sure to keep copies. 

____     If your college wants to see second-semester grades, be sure you give the form to your counselor.      

JANUARY:

____     If you apply to colleges online, be sure to have your high school send a transcript- it goes to colleges separately, and by mail. 

FEBRUARY: 

____     No senioritis, please!  Accepting colleges do look at second semester senior grades.  

____     Make sure your FAFSA has been filled out and mailed!

MARCH: 

____     Keep active in school.  If you are wait-listed, the college will want to know what you have accomplished between the time you applied and learned of its decision. 

 ____    Local Scholarships will be available. Check with the Guidance Office for the list. 

APRIL:

 ____    You should receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April.  If you’ve not done   so yet, visit your final college before accepting.  As soon as you decide, notify your counselor of your choice. 

____     Compare financial aid packages from each college. 

____     If you have questions about housing offers, talk to your counselor or talk to the college. 

____     It’s time to select the college you’re going to attend!!  You’ll need to send in a deposit to the college you’ve chosen- no later than May 1st.  

____     Waiting Lists- If you have been put on a waiting list by a college, you may want to consider calling the admissions office to see how you may strengthen your application. 

MAY: 

____     May 1:  Colleges cannot require a deposit or commitment to attend before May 1. By that postmarked date, you must inform every college of your acceptance or rejection offer of admission and/or financial aid. (Questions?  Talk to your counselor) 

____     Send your deposit to one college only. 

____     Work with the counselor to resolve any admissions or financial aid problems. 

____     Notify the other schools-Be sure to call the admissions and financial aid office of the colleges you will NOT be attending. 

____     Remember to notify your counselor of your “final” college selection!  The Guidance Office will have you fill out a slip in late May to verify your college selection.  At the end of the fourth quarter, after grades are confirmed, and your graduation date is posted on your transcript, the guidance office will mail your final transcript to your college. 

____     College Transcripts –  If you took courses from RCTC or SW State University, etc , you will need to request that these transcripts also be sent to your college, in addition to your high school transcript. 

____     Scholarships!! Notify your college about any outside scholarships, grants, or other funds   you’ve been awarded.

 JUNE:

____     Double Check! Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your college. 

____     Have a fun summer, and good luck in college!!