Senior Checklist

MONTH

RESOURCE

JULY

• Register to take the SAT, ACT or SAT Subject tests.

https://blog.prepscholar.com/sat-test-dates https://www.studypoint.com/ed/act-test-dates/

Complete your college applications before the deadlines quickly approach. https://www.collegeboard.org/

AUGUST

• Naviance Online College Readiness Tool

Select and/or add the names of the teachers you want to request a teacher recommendation from in Naviance/Family Connections.

• Select and/or add the names of the teachers you want to request a teacher recommendation from in Naviance/Family Connections (Naviance https://www.naviance.com/

SEPTEMBER

• Establish an FSA ID please remember to place your created username and password in a place where you can retrieve it later. Also, it's imperative to use a different email other than your PGCPS email address. https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/

• Complete the Common Application by setting up an account at https://apply.commonapp.org/login. 

• Accuplacer Exams for Dual Enrollment, please see the link for more information: https:Accuplacer Practice Exam - Collegeboard

• Register to take the SAT, ACT or SAT Subject tests.

https://blog.prepscholar.com/sat-test-dates https://www.studypoint.com/ed/act-test-dates/

Complete your college applications before the deadlines quickly approach. https://www.collegeboard.org/

• COMMON BLACK COLLEGE APPLICATION

Like the Common Application, the Common Black College Application is an online system by which students can apply to over 50 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for a flat fee of $35.00. If you would like to see which colleges are in this system, go to the HBCU Common Application (www.commonblackcollegeapp.com).

• COALITION FOR ACCESS, AFFORDABILITY, AND SUCCESS MyCoalition is another online application system that offers free online college planning tools that helps students learn about, prepare for, and apply to college. My Coalition Application

OCTOBER

• Apply for FAFSA October 1st

• October is the month to apply to colleges and universities early. Please consider the Maryland College Application Campaign  website for application waivers and other additional information. 

• Understanding Financial Aid and Scholarships Information. Every student must become acquainted with the FAFSA process and scholarship information. Please review the following website for additional information. 

• The Free Application Financial Student Aid  is officially available each year on October 1st. Even parents who feel that they make too much money to be considered for funding, many colleges require the FAFSA to be completed in order for the student to be considered for scholarships. Therefore, it is crucial that each student file their FAFSA before March 1st. This is the deadline to receive monies from the State of Maryland. https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

           College Essay (Statement of Purpose)

• The first draft of your College Essay should be complete at this point. Seniors should gather feedback from their english teachers or college access advisor.

November

• Finalize and send any early decision or early action applications due this month. Have a parent, teacher, counselor, or other adult review the application.

• Begin to ask or retrieve your recommendations from your teachers for the colleges and universities you have selected. Please go to https://www.naviance.com/

• Parents and students please review the Naviance video to gain a deeper understanding of the Naviance online College Readiness system. 

• Every college will require a copy of your transcript from your high school. Contact your Professional School Counselors procedure to access transcripts

DECEMBER

• Mail application packets to your top 5 schools (Naviance.com)

• Packet includes: application, official transcript, letters of recommendation, test scores and college essay (if applicable). If applicable, contact College Board to have your SAT/ACT scores sent to colleges. Go to www.collegeboard.org 

• Research specific companies whose work align with your career interests. https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip

JANUARY

• Complete “Official Transcript Request Form” for your “Top 5 Schools” so they can receive a copy of your mid-year report (). 

• Contact Admissions Office at “Top 5 Schools” to make sure they received your application packet. 

• Continue scholarship searches. www.naviance.com

• Begin to apply for positions within your chosen career field. https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip, www.monster.com, www.indeed.com

FEBRUARY

• Continue searching for and applying for scholarships. www.naviance.com

• Consider requesting a one-on-one virtual meeting with colleges you have been accepted to, to help narrow down your choices. 

• Ensure that you have filed your FAFSA or MSFAA. Remember, the Maryland deadline for state aid is March 1st! https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa https://mhec.state.md.us/Pages/MSFAA-FAQS.aspx

• Write thank-you notes for the adults who have helped to write letters of recommendations on your behalf. 

• Seek feedback on your resume, cover letter, and portfolio and edit as needed. www.naviance.com

• Attend interview preparation bootcamps 

• Participate in the district’s National CTE Month activities. 

• Continue to apply for positions within your chosen career field. https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip, www.monster.com, www.indeed.com

MARCH

• Compare your “Top 5 Schools” by using the NACAC’s College Comparison Worksheet. https://www.nacacnet.org/

• Sign up to take Advanced Placement (AP) Exams (if applicable). 

• Continue to take practice TSA exams or self-assessments. Complete applicable TSA exams. 

• Continue to apply for positions within your chosen career field. https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip, www.monster.com, www.indeed.com

• Take available certification examinations that are offered in your CTE Program.

APRIL

• Make your final decision regarding which college you will attend. Then, contact the college to verify your financial aid packet. 

• Contact your college of choice to inquire of housing fees and deadlines (if applicable). 

• Meet with your Professional School Counselor to make sure you have satisfied all graduation requirements (ie., credits earned, HSA/PARCC status and Student Service-Learning hours). 

• Check with your Professional School Counselor to make sure there are no outstanding debts. 

• Mail graduation announcements to your family and friends. .  

• Take available certification examinations that are offered in your CTE Program. 

• Continue to apply for positions within your chosen career field. https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip, www.monster.com, www.indeed.com

MAY

• Return all textbooks, uniforms or equipment to your high school teachers and pay any outstanding textbook fees (if applicable). 

• Complete “Final Official Transcript” form and submit to your Professional School Counselor so it can be sent to the college of your choice. 

• Review your financial aid awards and choose the right package for you. 

• Submit your tuition deposit by the deadline to the college of your choice. 

• Sit for AP Exams (if applicable). 

• Take available certification examinations that are offered in your CTE Program. 

• Continue to apply for positions within your chosen career field. https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip, www.monster.com, www.indeed.com