🎉Congratulations, high school seniors! You’re almost done with high school, and the future is awaiting you. But before diving into your college and career plans, you need to make sure you have all of your materials in order. Follow this On Track For College-High School Senior Checklist to get ready for whatever comes next.
🗣Talk to your school counselor.
Tell them about your plans and make sure you are on track for graduation.
👩⚕️ Explore career options.
Look into careers that interest you, and consider job shadowing or internships to get a better idea of the kind of work you want to do.
💭Start thinking about your major.
What do you want to study? Research your options and try to connect it back to your future career to see a return on your investment.
✍️ Finalize your college list.
It’s important to research the schools you are interested in and to make sure you have a good mix of safety, match, and reach schools. Also, keep track of deadlines to make sure you never miss an opportunity! Need help staying organized? 🔗Get my On Track College Application Spreadsheet to track your progress.
🎒Keep your grades up.
Colleges will see your senior year grades after your first semester is complete, so don’t let your grades slip.
📚Take all necessary standardized exams.
Make sure you’re registered for the SAT, ACT, or any other tests your schools require before December to get your test scores back in time. Practice with Khanacademy.org or Schoolhouse for free 99 to ensure you get a good score.
💻Complete your college applications.
Make sure you have all the necessary materials, including transcripts, test score reports, essays, and recommendations to move forward.
🤑Apply for financial aid through the FAFSA within 45 days of it opening
The FAFSA opens on December 1st this year. Get your app in soon after it opens and make sure to fill out any other financial aid applications your schools require as well. Bonus: Look for funding in your state to see if there is additional money you qualify for and complete those applications around the same time. Check the NASFAA State Financial Aid Finder for your state’s financial aid page.
💰Look for scholarships.
Look locally and nationally to apply to as many as you can find. Take it seriously and treat this like your part-time job!
🥳Enjoy your senior year.
You’re only a senior once, so make the most of it! Spend time with friends, participate in extracurricular activities, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Good luck out there!
👉Oh before you go…Don’t forget to get the Digital College Application Tracker to keep everything nice and organized. Click the image below to purchase for only $5
Learn more about the author Mizz P. here: About Mizz P.