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Taking Charge! Senior Year College Planning

Senior year in high school means the start of a new phase of life for a teenager. It is the transition year to young adulthood. To some that means making a career choice for after graduation; for others, it means planning postgraduate education, either through college or a career, vocational, or technical school; and for some, it could mean joining one of the armed services. Whatever the choice, you are now clearly part of planning for your future.

If college is your goal, there are many activities you need to plan. You have to investigate colleges, plan your testing schedules, make decisions about early admissions, and more. You also have to learn to work carefully with your parents so planning college finances, visits, decisions, and such can be managed easily and efficiently.

For those considering college or higher education, there are some ways you can take charge of the college process and make it easier for both you and your parents. Here is a brief breakdown of activities and timelines to help you take charge of your senior year. You can print this page and keep it in your College Planning file.

Make a list of colleges that interest you.

  College Need More Information?
1. _________________________ ____________________
2. _________________________ ____________________
3. _________________________ ____________________
4. _________________________ ____________________

Applying for early decisions? Record the colleges and application deadlines here:

  College Application Due Test Scores
1. ____________________ ______________ __________
2. ____________________ ______________ __________
3. ____________________ ______________ __________
4. ____________________ ______________ __________ 
 

September

Start compiling your letters of recommendations from teachers, employers, friends in the community, activities advisors. List the people here. Check them off when you have received the letters.

  Name Returned
1. __________________________ ______________
2. __________________________ ______________
3. __________________________ ______________
4. __________________________ ______________ 
 

Have You registered for the SATs or ACTs ? Yes ___ No ___

If yes, Date __________ Time _________ Place _______________

You can still make it for the fall testing period. Meet with your guidance counselor for information.


October

If you are planning to apply for early decisions, complete and submit your applications now.

Be sure you have correctly noted their dates.

  College Applications Deadline
1. ____________________________ ___________
2. ____________________________ ___________
3. ____________________________ ___________
4. ____________________________ ___________

November

Start writing application essays for each college. Give to an English teacher or guidance counselor to review:

  College Draft Final Ready
1. _________________________ _____ _____ _____
2. _________________________ _____ _____ _____
3. _________________________ _____ _____ _____
4. _________________________ _____ _____ _____ 
 

Have your first-semester grades sent to the schools to which you are applying.

  College Date Sent
1. ______________________________ ______________
2. ______________________________ ______________
3. ______________________________ ______________
4. ______________________________ ______________ 
 

Take SAT or ACT tests.

Date ________ Time ___________Place ______________


December

Complete all college applications and mail with all accompanying materials, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.

  College Date Sent
1. ______________________________ ______________
2. ______________________________ ______________
3. ______________________________ ______________
4. ______________________________ ______________ 
 

Visit guidance counselor to discuss scholarship and grant opportunities.


December/ January

Begin gathering tax information. Your parents will need an estimate of their previous year's income tax (1040) for your Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA). The form must be completed by students and parents applying for Federal Title IV student aid.


January

Parents should get their taxes completed and complete the forms.

Income Tax Forms ________ Date Completed _________

FAFSA Forms ___________ Date Completed _________


February

Complete and send the financial aid forms for each college you have applied to. Be sure to make copies and keep them in a safe place.

  College FAFSA Income Tax Financial Aid
1. ____________________ _______ _______ _______
2. ____________________ _______ _______ _______
3. ____________________ _______ _______ _______
4. ____________________ _______ _______ _______

Investigate scholarship and grant opportunities. Check with guidance counselor for:

  Eligible Apply
1. Community Organizations _____________ __________
2. Corporate Scholarships _____________ __________
3. State Grants (PELL) _____________ __________
4. Corporate Grants _____________ __________
5. Corporate Grants _____________ __________
6. Credit Union Scholarships _____________ __________ 
 

March

Have you received your Receipt of Student Aid Reports (SAR), the federal output document sent to a student by the application processor. The student's eligibility for aid is indicated by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which is printed on the front of the SAR.

What is your EFC? ___________ Can you afford it? ______

Start reviewing borrowing options. Contact your credit union. If you don't have an account there, ask your parents, aunt, uncle, or grandparent to recommend you for membership. This simple step will make you eligible for many credit union benefits.


April

Which colleges have accepted you? How much aid are they offering?

  College Cost Aid Offered Your EFC
1. ____________________ _______ _______ _______
2. ____________________ _______ _______ _______
3. ____________________ _______ _______ _______
4. ____________________ _______ _______ _______ 
 

Do you need to take out a loan? Yes ___ No ___

Ask the financial aid office about these loan options :

Loan Amt. Avail. Eligible Apply
1. Subsidized Stafford ________ ________ ________
2. Unsubsidized Stafford ________ ________ ________
3. Federal PLUS Loans ________ ________ ________ 
 

Contact your credit union for information about their student loan programs..


May

Which college have you chosen? ____________________________

How much will you need to borrow? __________________________

How much can you borrow from your credit union? ______________

How much can your parents borrow from their home equity? _______ Other? ______

Find a summer job? ______________________________________

How much do you need to earn each week? ___________________

Check out local scholarship/grant status? ______________________


July/August

Get ready for college!

All forms submitted? Yes ___ No ___

Dorm Selection ___ Meal Plan ___

Health Plan ___ Course Selection ___

Shopping completed: 
Sheets/Blankets ___ Clothes ___

Lamps/Rugs/Posters ___ Other ___

Important matters:

Address Book ___ Checking Account/Debit Card ___

Phone Card ___


August/September

Let's GO!

Orientation Dates: ___________________

Freshman Activities Dates: _________________________

Classes Start: __________________________

Source: Excerpted from the Marketing Partners College Planner.

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