12th Grade College Planning Checklist
Senior year is about follow-through. Applications, deadlines, essays, decisions — it can feel like a sprint, but with a clear plan, you’ll stay focused and finish strong.
Fall
- Finalize your college list — include safety, match, and reach schools
- Register for or retake the ACT/SAT if needed for score goals or merit aid
- Complete and submit college applications (watch for early deadlines!)
- Request transcripts and teacher recommendations early
- Write and revise your personal statement and supplemental essays
- Submit the FAFSA as early as possible (opens October 1)
- Apply for state grants and your colleges’ internal scholarships
Winter
- Submit any remaining college or scholarship applications
- Watch FAFSA portal and email for verification requests or aid updates
- Submit the CSS Profile if required by private colleges
- Start applying for local or regional scholarships (check school bulletin or counselor)
- Track financial aid offers and scholarship decisions as they arrive
Spring
- Compare financial aid packages and make your final college decision
- Submit your enrollment deposit and housing application
- Send thank-you notes to teachers, mentors, and recommenders
- Request final transcript be sent to your chosen college
- Attend orientation and register for fall classes
What if your kid isn’t a straight-A student?
That’s okay too. Here’s how real families are still finding scholarships — without being valedictorians or club presidents.
See the honest guide for average students »
What’s Next?
As deadlines approach, your student’s essays and scholarships become mission-critical. These two pages will help you move from checklist to action:
- 🎯 Scholarship Tracker: Real, vetted scholarships sorted by priority and deadlines.
- 📝 Essay Toolkit: Sample prompts, templates, and guidance for personal statements and supplemental essays.