What should high school seniors be doing in August to prepare for college?

In August, seniors should start their college applications, request transcripts, finalize their college list, and begin scholarship essays. It’s also the right time to create an FSA ID and get familiar with the Common App if they’re using it.

When does the FAFSA open for the Class of 2026?

The FAFSA for the 2026–27 school year opens on October 1, 2025. Seniors and their parents should create FSA IDs ahead of time to avoid delays.

What can parents do to help with college applications?

Parents can help by creating their FSA ID, keeping track of deadlines, helping their student organize transcripts and resumes, reviewing scholarship options, and supporting essay brainstorming or proofreading.

What is the Common App and when should we start it?

The Common App is a shared college application used by over 1,000 schools. It opens August 1. Students can begin filling out their profile, activities, and essay right away—even before they’re ready to submit.

Do we need to submit transcripts now?

Yes. Seniors should request their transcripts through their high school as early as possible. Many colleges require official transcripts at the time of application, and state grants may have early transcript deadlines.

What happens after submitting a college application?

After applying, students should check email regularly for portal setup instructions from each college. They’ll need to monitor each portal for missing items, scholarship applications, honors college deadlines, and decision updates.

🎯 Senior Year Starts Now: August College Checklist for Parents and Students

You made it to senior year—and August sets the tone for everything that comes next. Whether you’re feeling behind or just getting started, this checklist breaks down what you can do as a parent and what your kid must take the lead on. If you’ve never done this before (and most of us haven’t), here’s how to keep it from getting overwhelming.

📎 Want a simpler version to hang on the fridge?
Download the checklist with checkboxes to help your family stay on track all month long.

👉 Download the Fridge-Ready PDF

🧑‍🎓 What Your Kid Should Do This Month

✅ Create a Common App account and start the application. [Link]
✅ Request an official high school transcript from the school counselor.
✅ Begin drafting their main college essay (check out our Essay Toolkit).
✅ Finalize a realistic college list (reach, target, safety).
✅ Sign up for a fall ACT or SAT retake if needed (ACT | SAT).
✅ Start logging activities, awards, and leadership roles in one place (or use our Brag Sheet Builder).
✅ Begin answering supplemental questions for schools that require them (even if they’re not submitting yet).
✅ Look into honors college or major-specific applications—these are often separate and may be due early.
✅ Create an FSA ID so they’re ready for the FAFSA in October.

🧰 Parent Tool: Download our full Scholarship Tracker and get the College Starter Kit to stay organized all year.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What You Can Do As a Parent

📌 Create your own FSA ID (you’ll need it to complete the FAFSA with your kid).
📌 Help them gather deadlines for applications, scholarships, honors colleges, and FAFSA (our Scholarships Hub has a good start).
📌 Encourage them to share a rough draft of their college essay for feedback (light touch—let them lead).
📌 Offer to help organize their activities and honors into a resume using our Brag Sheet Builder.
📌 Reach out to potential recommenders together and share our Reference Request Toolkit to make it easy.
📌 Use our Net Price & EFC Guide to start learning what your actual cost of college might be.
📌 If your student qualifies, start compiling scholarship leads—use our printable tracker.

🧭 What Happens Next (So You’re Not Surprised)

📬 Colleges may send confirmation emails with instructions to log in to an application portal—don’t ignore these!
🔑 These portals are where your kid will track missing items (transcripts, rec letters), apply for scholarships, and eventually get decisions.
💸 The FAFSA opens October 1 for the 2026–27 school year. You’ll need 2024 tax info to complete it. (More FAFSA tips here.)
📢 Deadlines for early action, honors colleges, and top scholarships often hit between October and December. Waiting = missing out.

🎓 Pro Tip: Most full-ride or competitive scholarships require early applications, separate forms, or honors college enrollment. Don’t assume applying once is enough—check the details.

You don’t have to know everything—you just have to keep showing up. One deadline at a time.