Senior Year by the Month

Senior Year by the Month


August - September

  • Continue to research colleges and go to campus visits.

  • Consider attending the National College Fair in Mpls.

  • Review list of colleges visiting Naviance and sign up.

  • Check test dates for ACT, SAT, ASVAB or the Accuplacer.

  • Start working on your resume.

  • Research scholarships and keep track of deadlines.

  • Create your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at fsaid.ed.gov

October

  • The FAFSA application is now open! You should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within a few weeks.

  • Determine your 3-5 colleges that you will apply to and start your applications. Keep track of deadlines!

  • If applying “early decision” or “early action” send your application now. Be sure that you know the difference.

  • Check out the MN Office of Higher Education web site for a list of FREE college apps in October.

  • Attend a Financial Aid or FAFSA completion night at HHS.

  • Determine if you are using the Common App. If YES, you must see your counselor before starting.

  • Complete your resume.

  • Continue working on scholarship applications.

November

  • Complete your college applications and send before Thanksgiving.

  • Pay the application fee (if applicable)

  • Send your ACT scores through ACT.org

  • Request and pay for your transcript through Family Connections.

  • Do you need letters of recommendation? Give your completed resume and request form (pink sheet) to the person(s) writing your letter. Request through Family Connections.

December - January

  • Apply for the Local Scholarship Program. Proofread your essay!

  • Keep track of deadlines and any correspondence from the colleges you have applied to.  

  • Check if your college offers additional scholarships in a separate application.

February - March

  • Update Naviance with college acceptance / denials.

  • Touch base with your counselor.

  • Compare acceptance letters, financial aid packages and scholarship offers between colleges.  

April - May

  • Notify colleges of your intent by May 1st.

  • Review your financial aid package and determine if additional funding will be required.

  • Complete all materials that were mailed to you (health forms, room and board forms, meal plans, etc).

June

  • Request and pay for your final transcript through Naviance. It should arrive at your college by July 1st.

  • Don't panic if your college sends you a notice that your final transcript is missing. They are notorious for sending blanket emails to students, even if it does not apply to you. First ask yourself 1) Did I request my final transcript? 2) Did I pay for my final transcript? Check Parchment for any messages.

The Counseling & Career Center offices ARE NOT OPEN over the summer break.