Senior Year
Taking the next step
First Semester
- Aim to return senior year with a near-final list of college selections.
- Create a Common Application account (opens August 1).
- Discuss the college application process with the college counselors; this information is covered again during the Senior College Night that parents can attend in September.
- Submit transcript request forms through the counseling office. The counseling office sends transcripts electronically. Please note that transcript request forms must be turned in at least three weeks prior to the admissions deadline.
- Attend the Senior College Night and College Financial Aid Presentation with your parent(s).
- Continue to meet with your college counselor for help with all aspects of the college application process: firming up the college list, assisting with applications, editing essays, navigating the different application processes, performing scholarship searches, and completing numerous other college-related tasks.
- If you are planning to take the ACT or SAT again at the beginning of senior year, register for either the August or October SAT, or the September or October ACT.
- Make a list of admissions deadlines.
- In most cases we suggest students submit their applications for early deadlines (usually non-binding Early Action or Priority deadlines).
- Note that many colleges use November 1 for their early deadline, but some college deadlines may be even earlier.
- Note that many colleges use November 1 for their early deadline, but some college deadlines may be even earlier.
- In most cases we suggest students submit their applications for early deadlines (usually non-binding Early Action or Priority deadlines).
- Research scholarships available from outside organizations (corporations, community organizations, etc.) in addition to scholarship opportunities available from universities.
- Visit the Helpful Links for Your Path to College page under College Counseling on our website for ideas.
- Visit the Helpful Links for Your Path to College page under College Counseling on our website for ideas.
- Periodically check your student portal (applicant account) for each college. Colleges use these student portals to communicate admissions decisions, as well as to request any needed application or financial aid documents.
- Attend the Senior College Night presentation to learn about college financial aid.
- Remind your parent(s) to fill out financial aid forms required by the college. The FAFSA and CSS Profile forms become available October 1 of a student’s senior year. Visit the Helpful Links for Your Path to College page under College Counseling on our website for more information on these forms.
Second Semester
- Do not develop senioritis! Your chosen college will need your final transcript.
- Continue to check the college portals regularly; financial aid packages are often delivered through colleges’ online student portals.
- Decide on the college that is the best choice for you and for your family as a whole.
- Submit your enrollment deposit and commit to a college no later than May 1.
- May 1 is the national enrollment decision deadline for all colleges.
- Students who accept admission to a college under a binding Early Decision agreement may be required to submit their deposits earlier than May 1.
- Students should notify other colleges that they will not be attending in order to free up spaces for waitlisted students.
- Students should commit by May 1 even if they are waiting to hear about another waitlist offer.
- Inform your college counselors of colleges’ decisions and scholarship offers by submitting copies of decision letters or forwarding email or online notifications.
- Inform the college counseling office of the name of the college that you will attend so that final transcripts can be sent after graduation.
