Year By Year Timeline: 12th Grade
A year by year guide to preparing for college

Business for the average senior is taking care of school work, which is the best preparation for college and for entrance exams. The student should not settle for less from himself than he can give – and only your senior really knows whether he is giving it 100%.

Remember as you go through the college selection process and the senior year with your student that life is full of sunrises and sunsets. When the sun sets on the senior year of high school, where will your child be going to view the sunrise of the college experience? What is on his horizon? The options exceed 4,000 choices. The possibilities are determined by each senior's record and his willingness to investigate and take charge of opportunities.

Have a great year, and visit makingitcount.com for more valuable suggestions on how to help your senior have a great year, too.

Here are some other tips to help you help your student.

In September of12th GRADE YEAR

• Talk with counselor/parents
• Visit college representatives at your school
• Request college info (including financial aid/housing)
• Begin to file rolling admission/regular decision apps
• Keep copies of apps and forms sent to colleges
• Write essays/line up recommendations (if needed)
• Send test scores and transcripts to college
• Request financial aid apps from colleges
• Register for CSS/Financial Aid Profile if necessary (see your guidance counselor)
• Keep checklist - MEET DEADLINES!

In October of12th GRADE YEAR

• Finish early decision applications
• ACT offered (see your counselor for dates) SAT I & II offered (see your counselor for dates)

In November of12th GRADE YEAR

• SAT I & II offered (see your counselor for dates)

In December of12th GRADE YEAR

• ACT offered (see your counselor for dates)
• SAT I & II offered (see your counselor for dates)
• Receive Early Admission/Early Decision I decisions
• Finish Regular Decision and Rolling Admission Applications

In January of12th GRADE YEAR

• Send mid-year grade reports, if necessary
• Rank schools where you've applied for preference
• Get all financial documents in order
• Complete FAFSA before February 1, if possible
• Attend local financial aid information night, if available

In February/March of 12th GRADE YEAR

• Keep grades up - it matters!
• Review SAR (Student Aid Report) carefully
• Review financial aid packages

In April of 12th GRADE YEAR

• Visit schools where accepted, if needed
• Make final decision - mail deposit to ONE school
• Notify, in writing, all schools of your choice
• If wait listed, contact admissions office if still interested
• Contact financial aid office if you have any special financial aid circumstances
• Make sure you meet all financial aid requirements
• Notify colleges of any private scholarship awards

In May/June of 12th GRADE YEAR

• Request final transcript to be sent to college
• Follow procedure for college housing and orientation
• Analyze projected first year college budget
• Check banking option in college town