12TH GRADE

SAT & ACT test. These test needs to be completed by the fall of your senior year at latest.

  • Transcripts. Check to ensure you are on track, and place orders to be sent to schools in applications.

  • Early Decision & Early Action Applications. They are due between October 1 and November 1. You will usually receive the decision in December. If you get an acceptance letter, and choose to accept, withdraw any other applications.

FAFSA. This form is needed to receive financial aid. It becomes available October 1 – jump on it. It can be time consuming! Your Student Aid Report will take 4 weeks to generate.

  • CSS/PROFILE. This is a supplement to the FAFSA form required by some, but not all, schools. Find out if you need to complete this, and do so early on.

  • Applications. Submit your application, usually via the school’s website, on time. That means you have to know the due date in advance! And, even if you have plenty of time before the application is due, get an early start on the essays. Write drafts, have multiple people review.

Acceptance/Rejection Letters. They should arrive by April 15. Carefully consider your options. Compare your acceptance letters, financial aid, and scholarship offers. Don’t panic if you don’t your first choice – go with what you have.

College Decision. You should determine which school you will attend by May 1st of your senior year, as you will need time to get through the enrollment steps before the fall.

  • Enrollment. Notify the school that you have selected of your commitment by sending your deposit check. This will guarantee your spot in the upcoming freshman class

  • Contact the school to determine when fees for tuition, room and board, and anything else are due; and how much they will be.

  • Final Transcripts. Have your high school send your college, your final transcripts after your graduation.

  • Determine needs. You will certainly need a computer for school, but don’t forget about cost of books, cost of living and more. A few questions you must ask yourself, Will my parents, guardian support my costs? Will my scholarships cover the cost of books? Should I get a job to help cover the costs?