Senior To-Do List

June

Ask teacher(s) for letters of recommendation you’ll need in the fall: Some teachers are asked to write a ton, so it’s good to make the ask early. They may write your letter this summer while your work and contributions to the classroom are fresh in their mind.
Volunteer (with an organization that is in your field of interest, if possible), to help your community.
How to Create a College List (with tracking spreadsheet): Keep making progress. Make sure you’re excited about all the schools on your list, not just the reaches. Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be is a great read.
Tips for Planning a College Visit: Make a plan to visit a couple schools based on your college research, if you’re able. If getting to the campuses isn’t possible, learn as much as you can online via virtual information sessions.
- The College Tour
- YOUVisit

Free test prep:- If you’re planning to test in late summer into the fall, take advantage of these resources:
SAT Study Group: Consider starting a study group to prepare for your upcoming exams. Even if you’re applying to test-optional schools, you might want a test score for scholarship eligibility.

How to Write a College Essay: Wondering how to get started on your college essays this summer? This step by step guide and this video will walk you through the process.
8 Resources and Tips for Getting Scholarships and Financial Aid: These are a great set of tips and resources as you begin your scholarship search. Use this template to keep track of opportunities that might be a good fit.
If you’ve excelled academically despite financial challenges, consider applying to QuestBridge or the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program
Create a spreadsheet of all usernames and passwords: Keep important login information here for college applications, applicant portals, and scholarships.
Create a spreadsheet of requirements and deadlines - Keep track of application deadlines, number of required recommendation letters, scholarship deadlines, portfolio requirements, etc. all in one organized spot.
Have you considered attend an all-women's or all-mens college or a Minority Serving Institution, such as an HBCU? Maybe now's the time to see if such an institution should be part of your college list.
If you are selecting a highly-selective university, review this presentation to best prepare yourself for the application process.

College applications are live - Start familiarizing yourself with the information you need to gather. Some of the most popular application websites include The Common Application and Apply Texas.
- Pro Tip: Look at each of your potential college websites BEFORE you apply to see if they accept these universal type applications. Work smarter, not harder.
Benefits and drawbacks of applying "early decision" or "early action"
1. Here's a chart that organizes this information too
FAFSA + CSS PROFILE - These two forms are critical to your financial aid process. All schools require the FAFSA (or TASFA); the CSS PROFILE is only required by some schools and scholarships. Submission windows open on December 1st this year.
Connect with college admissions reps, either at your school, online or in your community. These sessions are important opportunities to let colleges know you’re considering attending their institution, which in some cases can help your chances.
If you need to retest for the SAT or ACT test, sign up to do so now (and complete testing by October, if possible).
Some colleges that use Raise.Me have early deadlines for finalizing your information on the site. Update or create your account now, and research the deadlines for colleges you're interested in.
Remember you can check here for help with confusing college terms