What to do in 12th Grade

September

Take advanced math and college prep English classes.
Review class schedules with your counselor to ensure that you are meeting requirements for the colleges you want to attend.

Make sure your MySpace profile has appropriate content only: college admissions staff may Google you!

Register online for the SAT or ACT, based on the requirements of the colleges you want to attend.
Both Exams cost money, ask your high school guidance counselor if you quality for an ACT fee waiver or an SAT fee waiver.
Check the application deadlines for the colleges you want to apply.
Meet with your guidance counselor to be sure you are on track to graduate from high school.
Colleges may require recommendations for admission. At least one month before the due date, ask your counselors, teachers, employers, or coaches to write letters of recommendation for you.
Complete all college applications, including essays. Make copies of all application documents before mailing.
Set aside a folder at home to store important documents for and about college (brochures, test scores, recommendation letters).

October

Mail applications in time to reach the colleges by the deadlines.
Request that your guidance counselor send your transcript to the colleges to which you’ve applied.
Register for the December/January SAT Test if you have not completed the required tests or if you are not happy with your previous test scores.
Have the ACT or SAT companies send your official test scores (on the ACT or SAT) sent to colleges to which you are applying.

November/December

Take the ACT, or the SAT Reasoning Test or the SAT Subject Tests if you have not already taken them.
Keep all records, test score reports and copies of applications for admission and financial aid (remember that folder from September?).

January

Ask your parents for your Social Security number (required on many college applications).
Go to www.pin.ed.gov to obtain a personal identification number (PIN). The PIN is used as an electronic signature on the FAFSA, and your family will need two — one for you and one for your parents.

Complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This site provides financial aid and eligibility information as well as financial aid calculators.
Request that your counselor send your senior year first semester transcript to the colleges to which you’ve applied.

February

You should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks after submitting the FAFSA. Review the SAR carefully with your parents.
If more than four weeks have passed after sending in your FAFSA and you have not received an acknowledgment, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (319) 337-5665.
Begin research for possible scholarships by going to http://www.fastweb.com

April

Most colleges will contact you by April regarding your acceptance.
If your first-choice college places you on their waiting list, do not lose all hope. Some students are admitted off the waiting list. Talk with your guidance counselor and contact the college to let them know you are still interested.
Review your college acceptances and financial aid awards. Be sure to compare financial aid packages in your decision-making process

May

By May 1, decide on the college that you will attend. Send in your tuition deposit to the college you will attend.
Notify the other colleges that accepted you that you have selected another college.

June

Notify your college of scholarships or grants you will be receiving.
Pay attention to deadlines: know when the payment for tuition, room and board, etc., is due.
Take part in summer orientation programs for incoming college freshmen.
Look for information in the mail from the college about housing, roommate(s), course selection, etc.

High School Planner