Stay on track during senior year

Caroline

As a high school senior, you've got a busy year ahead of you. While you might be mentally ready to set things on "coast," now is not the time for that! Besides keeping up your grades, you've got a bunch of prep work to do to get ready for college. It's all pretty deadline oriented, so if you haven't created a master calendar yet, it's a good idea to start one.

Here is a basic timeline of things you'll need to remember to stay on top of college planning:

September

• Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your choice of colleges.
• Start a scholarship search.  Look online and tap your guidance counselor to get help with local scholarship options. Note all scholarship application deadlines on your master calendar.

October

• Decide which schools to which you'll apply. Make a note of all the application deadlines and put them on your master calendar.
• Secure recommendations from teachers, employers, or other adults. Give them at least a month to write their letter.
• Start thinking of topics and drafting outlines for college application essays. 

November

• Submit your college application information on time.
• Schedule campus visits and interviews.

December

• Keep an eye on scholarship deadlines and continue your scholarship search.

January

• File your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon after January 1 as possible. File online at fafsa.ed.gov. 
• Attend a financial aid night to learn more about paying for college.

February

• Provide your counselor with the necessary mid-year grade forms, if your schools require them.
• Register for advanced placement tests.
• Complete scholarship applications.

March

• Watch for your Student Aid Report (it should arrive about four weeks after submitting your FAFSA).
• Check your mailbox! You should begin receiving your admissions decisions from colleges.

April

• Compare financial aid awards  from different schools and keep these in mind as you weigh your options.
• Look for additional funding if your financial aid package is not enough to cover your costs.
• Think about private student loans.
• Use Wells Fargo's online tools and calculators help plan.
• Make the final decision and notify your schools.

May

• Enjoy the last few weeks of high school, but remember to keep your grades up!
• Make sure your final transcripts are sent to the college you'll attend.

Summer

• Save money from your summer job and gradually buy things for school.
• Know your freshmen orientation dates.

Any other ideas to add to the senior year calendar?