Seniors

12th Grade Students

All Year Long

  • Work with a parent to update your information in FAFSA4caster at FAFSA4caster and continue to save for college

  • Take challenging classes in core academic subjects

  • Stay involved in school- or community-based activities that interest you or let you explore career interests

  • Talk to your school counselor and other mentors about education after high school

  • Work hard all year; second sememster grades can affect scholarship eligibility

  • Stay involved in after-school activities and seek leadership roles, if possible

Fall

  • Meet with your school counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate and fulfill college admission requirements

  • If you haven't already, register for and take college admission tests; check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require

  • Apply to the colleges you have chosen; follow instructions and pay close attention to deadlines!

  • Well before application deadlines, ask your counselor and teachers to submit required documents to the colleges to which you're applying 

Winter

  • Encourage your parents to complete income tax forms early to determine information for your federal student aid application

  • As soon after January 1 as possible, complete and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), along with any other financial aid applications your school(s) of choice may require
    Complete any last scholarship applications

Spring

  • Visit colleges that have invited you to enroll

  • Review college acceptances and compare their financial aid packages

  • Notify your chosen school of your commitment and submit any required financial deposit; pay attention to deadlines! 

     

12th Grade Parents

  • Continue to talk to your child about college plans

  • Keep an eye on your child's study habits and grades

  • Encourage your child to take challenging classes

  • Add to your child's college savings account regularly

  • Work with your child on filling out the FAFSA

  • Help your child learn about the responsibilities involved in accepting a student loan by reviewing Your Federal Student Loans:  Learn the Basics and Manage Your Debt at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/repayingpub with him or her

  • Keep an eye on communications from schools to which your child sent FAFSA information for information on Federal Direct Loans; the Direct Loan Basics for Parents brochure atwww.direct.ed.gov/pubs/profpubs.html might be helpful