Senior year: the last hoorah, the final stretch, the most stressful time of high school? With college applications taking over your life, the first few months of senior year might seem overwhelming and daunting. From balancing homework with mastering your college essays and attending SAT classes after team practice, you feel swamped. Is it even possible for a pre-collegiette to do it all? To put it simply, yes! No need to stress, because Her Campus has put together a month-to-month, fool-proof guide to college prep senior year that’ll keep you organized and ulcer-free.
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September
It’s back to school, which (unfortunately) means diving into college applications feet first. The most important preparation can actually be fun, if you’re an organizing maniac like me. Make everything easier for yourself by creating a master calendar of all application deadlines– supplemental, early, and regular– as well as standardized test dates. Put this handy calendar in a place you’re sure to see it, like right above your desk, beside your bed, or next to your closet, so you’re sure to see it every day!
September is also the time to meet with your high school counselor to discuss post-graduation plans. Make an extra effort to let him or her know what you’re all about by scheduling a meeting ASAP. Narrow your college list so he or she has a clearer idea of the direction you want to take. The more specific you are, the better! (Only interested in small liberal arts schools on the East Coast or Greek life schools with a great science program? This is the time to let your counselor know.)
By this time, you should have a good idea of who you want to ask for letters of recommendation, including teachers, mentors, and employers. Keep in mind that recommendations should be from adults who have known you since at least sophomore or junior year; they not only know you well, but will also be able to convey your best attributes most clearly. Not sure who to ask? Think about the class you’re most passionate about, and choose that teacher. Even if you don’t have straight A’s, chances are your love of the subject translates into dedication and commitment, both of which are very attractive qualities to college admission counselors. If you’re interested in taking or re-taking the SATs or SAT IIs, you may have already signed up for the October test date. If that’s the case, time to start studying! If you missed the October registration date, sign up for the November SATs early ensure your spot.
At this point, take a deep breath. September is the busiest prep month for college, but you’re almost there! The last thing on your September to-do list is to work on your application essays. Have writer’s block? HC has you covered with our article on writing your college admissions essay.
September Checklist:
- Create a calendar of all important dates
- Meet with your guidance counselor
- Ask for letters of recommendation
- Register and study for October and November SATs and SAT IIs
- Work on application essays
October
With a full month of senior year under your belt, you’re back into the swing of things. You’ve been working on college essays for a while, so now is the time to proofread, proofread, and proofread some more! Cassidy, a current high school senior, has realized how helpful this is: “I’ve been working on essays since the summer. At the end of junior year, a bunch of seniors told us to start early if we wanted to be on top of everything. And I’m glad I did! Essays are the best way to express who you really are, and you need to put a giant amount of work and care into them.”
This month is also the time to finalize your college list. If you decide to apply Early Action or Early Decision to a college, deadlines are usually November 1, so now is the time to make sure your entire application is in order. If applicable, you’ll also want to start compiling your FAFSA forms (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), because the deadline is typically in the beginning of November for early applicants. Don’t forget to have all required materials, like SAT scores and grade reports, sent off to colleges as well! Your counselor can help you with this step.
October Checklist:
- Edit your application essays
- Finalize your college list
Early Decision and Early Action applicants:
- Compile all application materials
- Send standardized test scores to schools
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November
Two months of prep down, only a few more to go! Since colleges still look at your senior year grades, be sure to stay on top of your classes. While you’re at it, keep on looking over those essays. You never know when a new idea will pop into your head that might give you that extra edge. Don’t obsess over them, but be conscious of any improvements that can be made; give your writing to family, friends, and teachers to get several perspectives.
Another November to-do? If you haven’t finished taking your SATs or SAT IIs, keep on studying.
November Checklist:
- Stay on top of your classes
- Keep proofreading application essays
- Register and prep for December SATs and SAT IIs
December
If you’re applying to any schools regular decision, you’re almost there! Re-taking a standardized test is probably the last thing you want to be doing, but it could be a good decision. Although New Jersey High School senior Anna* initially thought it wasn’t worth her time, she soon decided to take advantage of a redo: “I went in to this whole thing not wanting to take the SATs a million times. Although it’s vital, I feel it’s only part of the picture. I took the SATs at the end of last year and I was satisfied with two of my three scores; one was a little lower than I’d hoped for. Because a lot of schools do a ‘super-score’ where they compile your highest scores from multiple test times, I’m taking them again… only because I know I can do better.” Not sure if a redo is right for you? Evaluate the SAT score ranges of your prospective colleges. If your score is on the high end of the average, then you might want to put your energy elsewhere. But if you’re applying to a lot of schools with average SAT score ranges above your ‘super-score’, then it could be worth your while to retake.
For all you regular decision applicants, many schools’ deadlines fall on or before January 1, so it’s time to get those applications off your hands, already! Make sure your letters of recommendation are sent straight to colleges, and compile all other necessary materials, including the FAFSA application. Most financial aid forms are due in February, but check out each school’s website for specific dates. The same process pertains to those applying Early Decision II to a school, because a majority of these deadlines fall in early January.
This is also the long-awaited month for Early Decision and Early Action applicants, as admission decisions are typically released mid-December. Keep an eye on that mailbox or inbox (but don’t drive yourself too crazy)!
December Checklist:
- Re-take standardized tests, if applicable
- Organize and finish all applications
- Fill out FAFSA forms
ED and EA applicants:
- Look out for admissions decisions
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January
Once your first semester ends, don’t forget to send your mid-year grades to all prospective colleges. Just to be safe, ask your guidance counselor to do this as soon as your grades are released.
If you applied Early Decision II to a school, decisions are typically sent out late January to early February; check schools’ websites for exact dates.
January Checklist:
- Have your guidance counselor send mid-year grades to colleges
Early Decision II applicants:
- Keep an eye out for admissions decisions
February – March
This is the waiting period, the most crucial time to fight senioritis. While you’re anxiously anticipating admission decisions, it’s so important to keep up with your classes during second semester, because colleges do look at your grades. No one wants to have an admissions offer revoked because of a few preventable slip-ups, so don’t let the senior slide get the best of you! In fact, fight it all together and brag a little. If you have any new accomplishments since you sent in your application, schools want to know about it!
February – March Checklist:
- Resist senioritis
- Keep up your grades
- Notify colleges of any new accomplishments
April
The ball is in your court – finally! Admission offers start rolling in, and now it’s your turn to decide. Which college suits you best? There are many factors that can go into this decision– from financial aid packages to size of the student body—but it’s up to you. While this might seem like a daunting task, the most important thing you can do is research. This is a big decision to make, so the more you know, the better. Talk to the financial aid office about your package, and discuss with your family which schools are the best fit in terms of academics, social scene, and finances. Don’t forget to visit the campuses, ask current students about their experience, and immerse yourself. Many schools offer accepted students’ day or pre-freshmen weekends, so take advantage of these! Getting the most authentic feel for a college should be at the top of your to-do list, because this is where you’ll be spending your next four years.
April Checklist:
- Evaluate all admissions decisions
- Discuss and compare all important factors with your family
- Research and visit as many schools as you can
May
May 1st is the big date of the month; you must notify all colleges of your acceptance or rejection decisions by this day, so put a big star on your calendar! Once you choose the school you will be attending (finally!), make sure you send in the college’s deposit soon after to secure your spot. This is also when you should let any colleges you were waitlisted at know if you would like to remain on their waitlist.
May Checklist:
- Send in your admissions decision and deposit
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June
So what’s next? It’s time to graduate! Enjoy your summer, and start preparing for the new chapter in your life!
June Checklist:
Celebrate your accomplishments!
With focus and a few organizing skills, you can easily create an (almost) stress-less senior year that’ll pay off big time!
Sources
*Name has been changed*
Collegiettes from across the country
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/44408057#44408057
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/action/seniors.html
http://www.college.gov/home
www.collegeboard.com