Senior Year Checklist
Congratulations class of 2023! You’ve made it to your senior year, aka your last year in high school. Senior year is an exciting time, but it can also be daunting when you think about your next steps after graduation. But worry not! Here’s a little checklist you can follow throughout the school year to make sure you’re on track with preparing college applications and planning your future.
Photo by Vasily Koloda on Unsplash
August
Figure out what you want to major in (you don’t have to figure it all out right now, but at least have an idea of what you may want to study)
List the colleges you want to apply to
Research scholarships you can apply for
Brainstorm ideas for college essay / start drafting
Collect letters of recommendations from teachers, mentors, etc. for college applications
Maintain or increase your GPA
September
Mark deadlines for: early-action application, regular applications, fees, etc.
Begin writing drafts of college essays and personal statement
Get started on early-action application
Take or register for the SAT and/or ACT and TOEFL
Attend college fairs
Go on college campus tours
October
Take the SAT and/or ACT and TOEFL
Continue writing and revising college essays and personal statements
Meet with your guidance counselor to develop a college admission plan
Get access to forms you need to submit for college applications
Finalize portfolios and resume if required for college applications
November
Complete applications by each deadline
If needed, re-take the SAT and/or ACT and TOEFL
Complete applications for scholarships you are eligible for
Follow up on recommendation letters from your teachers or counselors (that they’ve been submitted)
Focus on your grades and GPA: maintain them or increase them if needed
December
Finalize all admissions applications
Watch for any early admissions notices (email, mail, etc.)
Research other deadlines for the school you plan to attend (housing applications, school-specific forms and applications, vaccination forms, etc.)
January
Keep pushing through! Don’t let senioritis make you unmotivated and lazy.
Keep all deadlines: scholarships, any forms needing submission, etc.
February
Prepare for AP (Advanced Placement) or College level class exams
Continue to research and apply for scholarships
Continue being mindful of your deadlines!
March
List top colleges you want to attend — narrow down your choices
Look for a summer job or internship if that’s something you’re interested in
Keep a lookout for acceptance letters!
April
Compare financial aid award letters
Keep a lookout for any scholarships you’ve been awarded
Make your final school decision and pay deposit as required
Plan for class registrations, school orientation, roommate selection/ housing, etc.
Mark your calendar for any school-specific events or deadlines
May
Finalize summer plans
Make your travel plans according to any summer orientation or other school-related events
Make note of any deadlines during the summer
Make sure all your final transcripts will be sent to your chosen college
June
Make sure all paperwork is complete (applications, forms, etc.)
Register for any school-related events: classes, orientation events, etc.
Get to know other students who are going to your chosen college. Check out Facebook groups and/or pages, contact your roommates if you already know who they are, etc.
Prepare for college and start packing
Buy all necessities
Pack according to the weather
