Senior Monthly Plan List

SEPTEMBER

• If you have not had the opportunity to be in a leadership positions while in high school, now is the time to step up and assume this role. Run for office, get involved in volunteer work – it is never too late and looks great on scholarship applications!
• Make a list of colleges/universities that you’re interested in and do some research. Check out the website, talk to your school counselor, visit with your parents, etc.
• Stay on top of ACT registration dates! If you would like to re-take one or both of these test talk to your school counselor ASAP! If you are on the free and reduced lunch list, your school counselor may have a free voucher for you to use. Check with the colleges/universities that you’re interested in to make sure you’re taking the correct form of the test.
• Start to think about teachers who would be willing to write strong letters of recommendation on your behalf and ask them if they would be willing to do this for you.
• Request (or download from college's Website) any applications that you do not have. Be sure to review each college's application requirements carefully.
• Stay in challenging classes and buckle down! Get senior pictures taken.
• FOCUS ON GRADES!  

OCTOBER

• Attend “Planning Days” and explore your post-secondary opportunities.
• Finalize the list of college choices to reasonable number, ideally with one or more “stretch” schools and one “safety” school.
• Your school counselor will set up private visits to colleges/university in Wyoming towards the end of October or beginning of November – let them know which institutions you’re interested in.
• Create a file for each of your college choices -- and keep all materials organized.
• Consider creating a master schedule of all your application deadlines.
• Start working on college applications.
• Have standardized testing service (ACT) send your scores to your list of colleges.
• Check the school calendar for the Financial Aid Night.
• FOCUS ON GRADES!  

NOVEMBER

• If applying for financial aid, get started on preparations by obtaining a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form (You'll need your family's/guardian's tax records. See financial aid link on the school website).
• Complete college applications and put packets in the mail.
• Be sure your school counselor knows your final list of colleges, as well as your preferences.
• Request key financial aid and scholarship information from your list of colleges.
• If not completed, get senior pictures taken.
• Stay focused on grades.  

DECEMBER

• If not completed, finish and mail remainder of college applications.
• Start detailed financial aid search, including outside sources for scholarships and loans.
• Stay focused on grades.
• Make final selection of senior photos.

JANUARY

• Continue to apply for scholarships – check the school website for new posts!
• Check out colleges/university websites for scholarships awarded to those students that are admitted to their institution.
• Submit senior memories and picture (3.5”x5” vertical, 300dpi) to yearbook staff.
• Stay focused on grades.

FEBRUARY

• Keep track of your college applications; be sure all schools have received all your materials.
• Continue to apply for scholarships – check the school website for new posts!
• Check out colleges/university websites for scholarships awarded to those students that are admitted to their institution.
• Stay focused on grades.

MARCH

• College decision letters begin arriving.
• Celebrate your acceptances, decide about your wait lists, and deal positively with your rejections.  Finalize financial aid applications.
• Continue to apply for scholarships – check the school website for new posts!
• Check out colleges/university websites for scholarships awarded to those students that are admitted to their institution.
• Finalize graduation party date/time/location.
• Stay focused on grades.

APRIL

• Make decision about college choice from among the colleges that accepted you.
• Notify all colleges (that accepted you) of your final decision.
• Submit tuition deposit to your college of choice.
• If you can submit paperwork for room and board.
• Continue to apply for scholarships – check the school website for new posts!
• Check out colleges/university websites for scholarships awarded to those students that are admitted to their institution.
• Complete newspaper biographies including senior picture (3.5”x5” vertical).
• Submit senior slide show photos.
• Mail graduation announcements (6 weeks prior to graduation).
• Stay focused on grades.  

MAY

• If you haven’t already, submit paperwork for room and board.
• Continue to apply for scholarships – check the school website for new posts!
• Start planning for college.
• Watch college's summer deadlines (orientations, housing options, registration, etc).
• Finish out the school year strong – WATCH YOUR GRADES! GOOD LUCK!