High School – Senior

Grade 12

Following is a quick review of what you should be doing your senior year to keep you on track for college.

August to-December:

• Say out loud “I am going to college”
• Create a calendar with various tasks and deadlines associated with the application process
• Meet with a counselor to review transcripts, and check  college admissions requirements
• Start the college admissions process – Set aside plenty of time to draft, edit, and re-write application essays
• Seek scholarships – Keep an updated resume, test scores, transcripts, and secure letters of recommendation from counselors, teachers, coaches, or employers
• Keep an updated resume, test scores, transcripts, and secure letters of recommendation from counselors, teachers, coaches, or employers
• Stay updated on the requirements for the Nevada Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship, visit https://nevadatreasurer.gov/MillenniumScholarship.htm
• Register for the ACT or SAT
• Keep track of all college application deadlines
• Develop a preliminary college budget include tuition, housing, books, meals, and transportation
• Complete the “FAFSA4caster” to calculate an estimated financial aid package at www.fafsa.gov
• Gather documents needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – Social Security Card, Driver’s License (if any), Tax Returns and current bank statements visit, www.fafsa.gov

January:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting January 1st
• submit no later than February 1st for priority consideration, a Student Aid Report (SAR) is then sent to interested colleges
• Request 7th semester high school transcripts be sent to applied colleges

February:

• Verify the SAR was received by interested colleges and check all the information is accurate – Make any corrections by calling 1-800-4FED-AID
• All financial aid packages are based on the SAR report; this includes Federal Pell Grants, work study, and need-based scholarships – If any special circumstances affect the family’s financial situation, alert each college’s financial aid office
• Register for Advanced Placement Exams, if applicable

March:

• If required, send copies of the completed FAFSA to any scholarship programs
• Organize and file all correspondence from interested colleges

April:

• Review all college acceptance letters
• Review financial aid award letters; be sure to understand the terms and conditions applied to each type of aid offered
• Decide on one college to attend and send tuition deposit if applicable – Give notice to colleges not attending
• Secure on- or off-campus housing and meal plans and keep track of contract deadlines and deposits needed
• If on a college waiting list, contact admissions office regularly

May:

• Verify all AP Grade Reports have been received by the selected college – Inquire about college credit
• Study hard for the high school final exam- They still count!

June:

• Request final high school transcripts be sent to the selected college
• Notify the college of any private grants or scholarships received as this may affect the other financial awards
• Find out when payment for tuition, room, and board will be due
• Understand how financial aid will be disbursed and inquire if bill payment can be deferred until funds are available

July to August:

• Look for information from the college about on- or off-campus housing
• Seek information on course selection – Identify college advisor
• Sign up for college orientation
• Pack for college and look forward to an interesting and rewarding experience!