Senior Year Timeline

Use this guide to help navigate your Senior Year.

 

• Create a professional email account (e.g. firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
• Create a CaliforniaCollege.edu account to track your college search
• Create college application accounts--store all logins in one place
• Want college sports? Register as an NCAA athlete
• Register for a Fall college class in August
• Schedule a college counseling appointment
• Register and prepare to take the SAT, the ACT, and any Subject Tests as appropriate
• Talk to your counselor about fee waivers for tests

• Narrow down a list of colleges and careers, considering:
  • your talents and passions
  • the kind of workplace you see yourself in, the kinds of colleagues you'd like to be around
  • what kind of college is a good fit for you: large/small, urban/suburban/rural, public/private, etc.
• Edit and polish your Resume & Cover Letters
• Identify potential majors for college applications
• Draft your PIQs/Personal Statements--Have them reviewed!

• Keep your grades up--yep, still important.
• Start UC/CSU/Trade School Applications
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Request letters of recommendation at least three weeks before the deadlines--LoR Request Form

• Finalize PIQ/Common App/Coalition App/Private School Essays and Apps
• Submit your SAT/ACT Scores through application websites by November 30th
• Submit UC/CSU Applications by November 30th
• Make sure your Letters of Recommendation get submitted

• Repurpose your personal statements to apply for at least 10 scholarships
• Prepare your Educational Opportunity Program responses: calstate.edu/sas/eop/
• Take college classes while in high school

• Avoid the Senior Slide--Don't let procrastination slow your progress
• Turn in unofficial college transcripts for any college classes you took in the Fall
• Give hand-written thank you notes to your recommenders
• Check your email/accounts/college portals often (at least 3x per week)
• Celebrate Offers of Admission as they come in!
• Complete your Senior Internship and submit your Internship Form
• Finalize your Senior Presentation to present to the Nea Board in May

• Review your Financial Aid Awards and Secure Housing Packages
• Submit your Statement of Intent to Register by May 1
• Register for Orientation, Entry Assessments, and Summer Start Programs
• Schedule appointments with enrollment counselors (for Community Colleges/Trade Schools)