Four-Year College Bound Student Task List
Summer before Senior Year:
October:
December:
March:
May:
Click HERE for a printable version of this checklist.
- Review your career plans and decide what type of school is right for you
- Visit college campuses
- Narrow your college list to 3 - 5 schools
- Create a personal email address (different than your school email address) to use for all college-related communication
- Begin brainstorming about essay topics and develop a rough draft
- Complete the Senior Brag Sheet. This sheet can be given to any teachers that you may ask for a letter of recommendation.
- Be on the look-out for college applications to open August 1st!
- Check to see if there are separate application processes required for your intended major
- Make a list of tests, dates, fees, and registration deadlines for college admissions and financial aid. Make a special note of supplemental information (i.e. personal statements, essays, test scores, recommendations, etc.)
- Begin to gather materials for applications -- including teacher recommendations (Check out this website for tips about recommendations!)
- Contact your counselor about dates for any additional ACT or SAT administrations. It is recommended that you take these tests in the early fall. When you register, request that scores be sent to colleges. (ACT click HERE, SAT click HERE.)
- Complete the Residency Determination Service (RDS) and record your RCN Number
- Attend the College Fair at Surry Community College
- Apply to your list of colleges, including "dream schools" and "safety schools"
- Meet early non-binding deadlines if possible so that you can be considered for university scholarships and other special programs (Early deadlines are often between October 1 and November 1.)
- Register to take the SAT or ACT
- Continue to gather materials such as teacher recommendations
- Schedule any college interviews if required or recommended
October:
- Take the SAT or ACT; be sure to have the scores from these tests sent to the schools of your choice
- For colleges that require an essay, polish your rough draft and consult your English teacher if needed
- Attend special programs such as college fairs and financial aid nights
- Begin filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which opens on August 1st
- Complete and submit applications for first choice colleges
- Check CFNC.org to determine which schools will offer fee waivers during College Application Week.
- Determine if you need to set up an online account at any schools you have applied
- Take the SAT or ACT if you have not already done so
- Begin searching for scholarship applications online and in Student Services; read requirements carefully to determine what is required and when it is due
- Attend a college senior day or an open house at a college that you are most interested
- Check to see if all materials have arrived at the colleges you have applied to
December:
- Ask your parents to save their year-end payroll stub for financial aid eligibility reviews by the school
- Complete any of your last college applications
- Submit official high school transcripts and test scores
- Check your mailbox -- early decision college admission letters may start arriving!
- Check status of mid-year transcripts
- Submit your completed FAFSA if you have not already done so
- Don't fall prey to "senioritis!" Colleges will ask for your grades from the second semester, and they can refuse admission if these grades are not acceptable
- Continue applying for scholarships
- Finish your FAFSA if you have not already done so. Note: Men 18 years and over must register for the Selective Service in order to receive federal financial aid.
- Research taking Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams and write down those dates
- Keep copies of all forms submitted
March:
- Check your email frequently and look for emails from colleges requesting that you verify your financial aid information; schools listed on your FAFSA will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) to determine your award amount (this process is different at every school)
- Be on the lookout for acceptance letters and scholarship award letters from universities
- Consider a follow-up visit to your top colleges and consult their financial aid offices
- Apply for scholarships. Many local scholarships are available now!
- Send graduation announcements to family and friends
- Watch the mail for college acceptance letters and financial aid award letters
- Evaluate your options and make your final college selection
- Send in your deposit to the college of your choice
- Notify the other schools that you will not be attending
- Watch for important deadlines at your chosen college (housing, financial aid, orientation, etc.)
- Consider summer job opportunities
May:
- Make your college decision by May 1st!
- Review financial aid information; decline offers from schools you are not attending
- Clear senior obligations (i.e. money owed, textbooks, etc.)
- Notify the school counselor of any awards and scholarships
- Study for final exams
- Finalize summer job plans
- If you were placed on a waitlist, contact the school and let them know you are still interested
- If you have taken any college courses, request that your transcript be sent from SCC to the institution you will attend (Click HERE for directions.)
- Graduation!
- Write 'thank you' notes for any scholarships or graduation gifts you received
- Check the mail for packets from the college regarding registration for classes, campus events, and Freshmen Orientation
- Buy the things you need for college gradually over the summer; avoid expensive, last-minute buying decisions
- Pack for college
- Do not miss Freshmen Orientation and be sure to read ALL information sent from the college to make sure all documents are in order (be on the look-out for a bill for tuition, room and board)
- Relax, earn some money, and get ready for your next academic adventure!
Click HERE for a printable version of this checklist.