12th Grade

August

• Meet with counselor (if not done so already) to discuss college and career choices.  Drop in or make an appointment by emailing Mrs. Thompson.
• Make a preliminary list of colleges: ideal, realistic, and backups.
• Visit colleges you may be considering.

September

• Prepare your Activities Resume/Biography.
• Ask for recommendations (give teachers at least one month to complete).
• Attend college fairs and meet with college representatives.  Gather information and applications.  We also have information sheets, brochures, and some applications in guidance.
• Visit colleges you may be considering.
• Register for the SAT (http://www.collegeboard.org/) and ACT (http://www.act.org/) if you are re-taking to improve your scores or taking it for the first time.  Release scores to any colleges you might apply to.
• Research scholarships (http://www.fastweb.com/).

October

• Continue to request and schedule recommendations from teachers.
• Your college list should be complete.  Be sure that you have all of the applications you need and review any online applications.
• Take the SAT, ACT, or SAT II if needed.
• Write rough draft of application essays.
• Research/apply for scholarships.  Many merit-based (not based on financial need) scholarships have deadlines early in the senior year.
• Have your English teacher proofread your essay.  Write your final draft.
• Submit paper applications to guidance to be sent to colleges.  (Optionally, you may submit the application directly to the school yourself or fill out their online application and complete a transcript request form in guidance.)

November

• Submit at least 3 applications to the guidance office by November 1.
• Research and apply for scholarships.

December

• Submit applications if you have not already done so.  Deadline in guidance is the first Monday of December to have applications sent by Christmas break.
• Research and apply for scholarships, noting their due dates.
• Write thank you notes to teachers/individuals who wrote your recommendations.

January

• Pick up the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate college school year in guidance or review application online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.  Complete as soon as possible using parents' tax return information from the last year.
• Research and apply for scholarships, noting their due dates.

February

• Complete financial aid forms sent to you by colleges.
• Research and apply for scholarships according to their due dates.
• Submit FAFSA after parents' taxes are completed.

March

• Submit late college applications if you have not already applied.
• Watch for college acceptance letters and your FAFSA Student Aid Report to make corrections.
• Research and apply for scholarships according to their due dates.

April

• As you get accepted, begin to decide which college you will attend.  Ask the counselor to help you weigh all options.  Visit colleges that have accepted you (overnight trips are especially helpful in gaining a feel for the schools).
• Research and apply for scholarships according to their due dates.
• Notify guidance office and registrar of your final decision.
• Keep working hard at Shannon Forest.  Colleges may rescind decisions based on your final transcript.

May

• Take AP exams (if applicable).
• Prepare for your well-deserved graduation.
• Make college tuition deposit.

June

• Make sure your final transcript is sent to your chosen college.
• When you turn 18, you  must register with the US Selective Service System (the draft): online at http://www.sss.gov/default.htm  at the post office, or on your FAFSA.
• Start calling yourself a "college student" and a Shannon Forest alumnus!