Senior Year Planning Calendar
Can be used in conjunction with the Postsecondary Planning Guide
​Summer

• Prioritize college choices
• Determine deadlines for colleges and scholarships
• Continue to visit colleges
• Create/update your resume
• Register for the SAT/ACT if needed
• Be aware of timeline for competitive scholarships
• Make sure senior course selections meet college expectations
• Complete the "Student Brag Sheet" if you need a recommendation from your school counselor for college admission or a scholarship 
• Athletes, check NCAA requirements

Early Fall 

• Meet with your school counselor to explore options
• Attend college fairs and meet with admissions officers
• Complete the financial aid process and the FAFSA, available in October for the upcoming academic year
• Use CFNC to apply to North Carolina colleges and send transcripts
• Use the Common App to apply to colleges outside of North Carolina 
• Begin applying to colleges by completing applications and essays
• Review AHS's transcript procedures
• Request and collect recommendations
• Begin applying for scholarships
• Meet Early Decision deadlines, if applicable
• Make good grades

​Midyear

• Verify that your application process is complete
• Continue applying for scholarships
• Request midyear transcripts as needed

Spring

• Make your final college decision
• Continue to work hard. Despite admittance to college, your grades still count, and colleges can revoke your admission!
• Continue applying for scholarships
• Communicate with your college to begin enrollment
• Take AP/SAT Subject Tests as needed
• Request final transcript (automatically sent by CFNC)
• Complete NCAA requirements (athletes)

Senior Year Tips

Students

• Begin planning early
• Use resources available to you in Student Services and on the Internet
• Make or save copies of all applications as you submit them
• Be aware of your own strengths, weaknesses, and grades
• Fill out the "Student Brag Sheet" if you need a recommendation from your school counselor for college admission or a scholarship
• Ask teachers and other recommenders for letters and give them time to write a quality letter (at least 2 weeks)
• Talk with your parents about their expectations, your desires, and financial considerations
• Meet deadlines set by colleges, Student Services, self, and parents
• Develop a student resume and keep it updated
• Schedule a time to meet with your counselor to explore options
• Fill out your own applications (including SAT & ACT) and write your own essays
• Take the initiative on your college/career search.  Remember, this is YOUR life
• Keep your school counselor and parents informed as to acceptances, scholarships, etc.
• Allow time for transcripts and recommendations to be mailed out (at least 2 weeks)
• Be patient with your friends, parents, and counselors—this is a busy time for everyone
• Athletes (Division I and II), register with the NCAA Eligibility Center

​Parents

• Help your student clarify realistic goals
• Discuss future plans, especially the financial picture and any restrictions with your student, early in the selection process
• Encourage your student to complete his/her own applications
• Remember that this is your student’s future; allow your student to make his/her own choices
• Along with your student, meet with your student’s school counselor and attend any parent programs in order to stay informed
• Be patient with your student and the school—it is a busy time for everyone
• Meet deadlines!
• Keep records of everything--phone calls, names, meetings, etc.
• Plan college visits with your student; incorporate them into family vacations