12th Grade Check List
Fall
• Update your Naviance “Colleges I’m Applying To” List
• Finalize college list – include at least two safety schools
• Finish taking SAT and/or ACT exams for college admissions purposes. Then, continue taking as needed to meet Bright Futures requirements (you have until graduation to qualify for Bright Futures)
• Determine which applications you will use when you apply - Common App, Institution App…
• Apply early to colleges with rolling admission policy
• Consider Early Action, Early Decision deadlines
• Apply before Priority and Scholarship deadlines (check each college’s financial aid page)
• Request transcripts through Naviance
• Complete the FAFSA (and CSS Profile if required) for need-based financial aid (Opens October 1st)
• Complete the FFAA for Bright Futures eligibility – merit based (Opens October 1st)
• Finalize your college essays… Have teachers and/or your counselor review it before submission
• Ask teachers in person, at least three weeks in advance, for letters of recommendation
• Avoid senioritis and finish the year with academic momentum
• Attend college visits at Maclay (shows demonstrated interested)
• Visit the college campuses of schools that are high on your list (shows demonstrated interest)
• Continue to check in and schedule meetings with your College Counselor
• Update your resume on Naviance
• Submit your SAT or ACT scores(s) to schools you are applying to (Check to see if the school allows self-reporting through college admissions process)
• Turn in all your community service hours
Spring
• Submit final college applications
• Narrow down your list of admits. Visit the schools on this list
• Avoid senioritis and finish the year with academic momentum
• Review financial aid packages
• Decide on the school you plan to attend in the Fall - pay deposits (by May 1st)
• Apply for campus housing
• Advise other schools that admitted you that you will not be attending
• Prepare for AP Exams and Final Exams