SHOULD BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR YEAR

 

SUMMER

• Make a list of potential colleges you would like to attend

• Work on a resume is up-to-date and continue updating it throughout the year

• Research careers and which majors can lead there

• Gather college information: Attend college fairs, college nights and speak to representatives from colleges that attend your high school

• Apply for scholarships (you can look on websites like fastweb, cappex, and scholarship owl) 

• Learn about your financial aid options (scholarships, grants)

• Consider ways to earn college credit via Dual Enrollment Courses we offer at MCS

• Set up appointments at your top college choices including a personal interview, tour of the campus and meet with a professor/coach if desired (During COVID-19, virtual information will be best or the only option)

• Start working on your college application essays: Have a teacher read and discuss the essays with you

• Discuss Letters of Recommendation: Request these letters with at least a 2-week notice

• Take the SAT/ACT

 

FALL

• Getting involved: It’s never too late for students to get involved. Student Government, Honors Society, Art club...

• Continue to visit schools 

• Work on  your college list: use all the information that has been gathered from your college visits, interviews, and your own research to determine which schools you wish to apply to

• Stay on track with grades and extracurricular activities: don’t slack off colleges look into what you have done your senior year too!

• Take your standardized tests: Register for and take the ACT, SAT, or SAT Subject Tests (as necessary).

• Create a calendar detailing application deadlines for admission, financial aid, and scholarships

• Create a final draft of your resume

• Ask for letters of recommendation: request these with at least a 2 weeks notice

• Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss options for scholarships and admissions

• Retake the ACT/SAT at least once or more depending on the score

• Continue your scholarship search: use the successful strategies we cover – October is a major scholarship month!

 

WINTER

• Continue building involvement

• Take the ACT/SAT 

• Keep working hard on your grades

• If a course member, winter break is a great time to implement a large portion of the materials

• Work a part-time job for experience and to save money

• Continue with your scholarship search: Holiday breaks are a great time to knock out some applications

 

SPRING

• Continue saving up for college (part-time job wages)

• Keep an eye out in the mail for a notification from colleges: Admissions decisions go out by March or April

• Keep your grades up

• Have a family meeting about college finances/financial aid and compare financial aid packages: ideally debt-free options

• Check out your options if you’re put on a waitlist: Keep in mind being put on a waitlist does not mean rejection. You should receive a decision by May

• Prepare for any last standardized tests: AP, IB and CLEP exams

• Choose your school: Notify all colleges your decision by May 1st

• Complete enrollment paperwork for the college you will attend: complete all paperwork by the deadline (this includes: course scheduling, orientation sessions, housing arrangements, and other necessary forms)

• Don’t give up on scholarships there’s still time to apply and receive money for the fall semester! Use the successful strategies we cover

• Just in case, begin researching and learning about student loans

 

 

SUMMER

• Getting involved: Have your child join organizations if they haven’t already

• Work and save money for college expenses

• Continue to apply for scholarships – deadlines go all the way through July and into August for money for the fall!: use the successful strategies we cover

• Be on the lookout for college admission notifications

• Research student loans if needed, narrowing down your choices

• Talk with your child about college bills