COLLEGE PLANNING CALENDAR FOR SENIORS

SEPTEMBER

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Na= rrow your list of colleges to 5 to 10. Meet with your 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 col= leges as possible.

Cr= eate a master list or calendar that includes:

--= test 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.)=

If= you can’t afford application or test fees, request a fee waiver.

If= you have not had your test scores sent to the college to which you are applying= , be sure to contact ACT or the College Board to have your scores sent (OR check with the college to see if they will accept test scores on the transcript.)=

OCTOBER=

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Tr= y to finalize your college choices.

Pr= epare Early Decision, Early Action, or rolling admissions applications as soon as possible.

As= k for counselor or teacher recommendations of you need them. Give each teacher or counselor an outline 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 oth= er to read them. If you’re applying for Early Decision, finish the essays for that application now.

NOVEMBER

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No= vember 1-15 for Early Decision Admissions, colleges may require test scores and applications between these dates.

Co= mplete at least one college application by Thanksgiving.

Co= unselors send transcripts to colleges. Make sure when you apply online (or by paper) that you ask the counselor to send your transcript; the transcript goes to colleges separately from the application and by mail.

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DECEMBER

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As= you finish and send your applications and essays, be sure to keep copies.<= /o:p>

If= your college wants to see seventh semester grades, be sure to give the form to y= our counselor.

JANUARY=

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Ja= nuary begins the financial aid season. Plan to complete and submit the FAFSA as soon as January 1 as possible.

FEBRUARY

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No senioritis, please!

MARCH
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Ke= ep active in school. If you are wait-listed, the college will want to know what you have accomplished betwe= en the time you applied and learned of its decision.

APRIL
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Yo= u should receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April. If you’ve not done so yet, v= isit your final college before accepting. As soon as you decide, notify your counselor of your choice.=

If= you have questions about housing call the college.

MAY

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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 of the offer of admission and= /or financial aid.

Se= nd your deposit to one college only.

Wait-listed by a college? If you will enroll if accepted, te= ll the admissions director your intent and ask how to strengthen your application. Need financial aid? Ask whether funds will be available if you’re accepted.

As= k your high school to send a final transcript to your college.