12th Grade/Senior Year
Students:
September
Register to take the ACT and/or the SAT again. Schools will use the highest score that you receive on these exams to consider you for college admission. Most students that are in the running for merit-based scholarships will take these tests more than once.
Check with the Counseling Center to see how they advertise incoming scholarships. Most schools will have a monthly or bi-monthly list for you to review.
October
Make your final list of schools that you will be applying to and find out the deadlines for admissions and scholarships. Find out which schools have letters of recommendations that are required as a part of the application and scholarship process.
Begin to ask teachers and counselors to write letters of recommendation. Make sure that you have updated your folder/file/portfolio and put it into a résumé. Provide each person who is writing a letter of recommendation a copy of your résumé. Write "Thank you" notes to everyone who has helped you in this process.
Use the UtahMentor Test Prep module to prepare for and take the ACT and/or the SAT again. Begin writing any required essays for college admission and scholarships.
November
Request an unofficial copy of your transcript from your counselor (or online) and use this document to complete college admission and scholarship materials.
Send in your applications. Be sure they are sent prior to the requested deadline. And remember, UtahMentor is your one-stop shop for all online applications. Have your counselor or registrar send your transcripts at the same time that you are sending in applications.
January
Begin collecting your W-2 and other tax forms. Most scholarship applications are due by the end of this month. Prepare to have all required forms, essays, and other miscellaneous items completed accordingly.
February - May
Parents and students (if required) should prepare and complete your federal tax return(s) as soon as possible. This financial information is needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is a form used to determine your financial aid eligibility.
Fill out the FAFSA. The FAFSA is the first step in obtaining various forms of financial aid. Colleges and universities will require supplemental forms to be complete for their awarding process and packaging. Research with your parents on UtahMentor all types of financial aid that may be available.
Contact the schools to which you have applied and confirm that your materials have arrived and are complete.
Once you have completed the FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within 4 weeks after you have filled out the electronic application. You should start to receive letters indicating whether or not you have been accepted by the institutions to which you have applied.
Check with your counselor to make sure that you have fulfilled all high school graduation requirements.
June
GRADUATION. Congratulations and Good Luck!
