Homer-Center High School
Senior Notices
Action Plan: High School Seniors
Fall
Pulling Your Applications Together
- Narrow your list
of colleges to between 5 and 10 and review it with your
counselor. Get an application and financial aid info from each. Visit as
many as possible.
- Make a master calendar
and note:
- Test dates, fees, and deadlines
- College application due dates
- Required financial
aid applications and their deadlines
- Recommendations, transcripts, and other necessary materials
- Your high school's deadlines for application requests, such as
your transcript
- Ask for recommendations.
Give each person your resume, a stamped, addressed envelope, and any
required forms.
- Write application
essays and ask teachers, parents, and friends to read first drafts.
Applying Early Action or Early Decision?
- November 1: For early
admissions, colleges may require test scores and applications in
early November. Send
your SAT® scores at collegeboard.com.
- Ask if your college offers an early estimate of financial aid
eligibility
Get Financial Aid Info
- Attend financial aid info events in your area.
- Talk to your counselor about CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® and learn
about it with Completing
the PROFILE.
- Use Scholarship
Search at collegeboard.com, review scholarship books, and ask your
counselor about local and state funding sources.
Winter
Application Details
- Most regular applications are due between January 1 and February 15.
Keep copies of everything you send to colleges.
- Have your high school send your transcript to colleges.
- Contact colleges to make sure they've received all application
materials.
Financial Aid: Apply Early. Apply Right.
- You and your family should save this year's pay stubs to estimate
income on aid forms that you'll file early next year.
- Submit your FAFSA
as soon after January 1 as possible. Men 18 or older must register for
the selective service to receive federal financial aid.
- Many priority financial aid deadlines fall in February. To get the
most attractive award package, apply by the priority date. Keep copies
of everything you send.
Spring
When the Letters Start Rolling In
- You should get acceptance letters and financial aid offers by
mid-April.
- Use Compare
Your Aid Awards to compare awards from different colleges.
Questions? Talk to financial aid officers. Not enough aid? Ask if other
financing plans are available.
- If you haven't already, visit your final college before accepting.
May 1: Making Your Final Choice
- You must tell every college of your acceptance or rejection of offers
of admission or financial aid by May 1. Send a deposit to the college
you choose.
- Wait-listed?
If you will enroll if accepted, tell the admissions director your intent
and ask how to strengthen your application. Need financial aid? Ask if
funds will be available if you're accepted.
Summer
Next Steps
- Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your college.
- Start preparing for the year ahead.