• Continue to take a full course load.  Do not drop difficult courses because you don't want to do the work. 
  
• Grades and attendance are at an all time high.  If you have had difficulties in the past this is your chance to correct it.
  
• Continued participation in activities is a must.  Dropping out in your senior year shows a lack of commitment to schools and employers.
  
• All senior males must register online with the selective service on their 18th birthday to be eligible for financial aid for post secondary education.
  
• Letters of recommendation are often needed to submit with your college applications.  Make sure you have requested these letters from teachers and community members and ask they be turned in to Guidance.
  
• Applications should be submitted to colleges as soon as possible.  If you submit an online application be sure to notify your counselor so that your transcripts, letter of recommendations and other required material can be sent to the college.
  
• Counselors will speak to you during the first month of your senior year.  If you are unsure about any information please set an appointment to talk to your counselor individually.
  
• When you're called to see your counselor in September,  make a list of questions or concerns that you have to ask while in the meeting.
• Your counselors are available for you if you need them.  Contact them about any concerns you may have.
  
• Use your portfolio on  the Education Planner to keep track of application deadlines for admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. Understand that their are federal and school deadlines for the submission of your FAFSAapplication.
  
• Continue to use the guidance web page and FastWeb to search for financial aid and scholarships.
  
• Register for the SAT, ACT or SAT II if you have not already done so.
  
• Be sure that your college board scores have been sent by college board or ACT directly to the schools you are applying to.  You can do this by getting an application in the guidance office or online at the respective sites.
  
• Early decision applications for college can be a risky endeavor.  Be sure you understand the consequences of early decision before you commit to it.
  
• Early action applications are much safer but be aware of application deadlines.
  
• Visit all colleges that you have applied to.
  
• ROTC applications should be submitted as soon as possible, most are due by December 1st.
  
• Make copies of all correspondence between you and your college.  Copy all important information that is sent from you or your parents.

Winter

• Attend the Financial aid Nights in September and October at the High School Auditorium
  
• Mid Year grade reports need to be sent to all school you have applied to.  Check with the guidance office to make sure that these documents have been sent to your schools.
  
• Fill out the FAFSA application (can not be submitted until January 1st) and, if necessary the CSS profile.  The CSS profile can be obtained by clicking on the CSS link.
  
• Each school is different, make sure all applications have been sent prior to winter break.
  
• College notification of acceptance are starting to be received.  Let your counselor know of all colleges you have been accepted to.  Read over all acceptance material.  Important dates and deadlines are usually included with letters of acceptance.

Spring

• FAFSA application deadline is May 1st for first year students.
  
• If you applied for a Pell Grant, Student Aid Reports (SARS) from FAFSA should be received by you or your parents four to six weeks after submitting your FAFSA.  Check them over for accuracy.
  
• Selective schools will start to notify prospective students between March 15th and April 15th.
  
• Notification of financial aid awards usually occurs between April 1st and May 1st.
  
• Compare financial aid packages from colleges and universities to which you have been accepted.
  
• May your school selection and then notify all schools of your intent by May 1st. Make sure to send your deposit to your school of choice by the stated deadline.
  
• Request that final transcripts be sent to your school of choice.
  
• Nonrefundable deposits on freshman tuition are due.
• Complete all follow paperwork for your college of choice:
  -scheduling
  -orientation session
  -housing arrangements
  -and any other required forms