Senior year, month by month

The college application year on one page, from the summer before to the decision in May.

Your progress

Summer before

Finalize the college list
Draft the main essay
Ask two teachers about recommendations

September to October

Finish early action or early decision applications
Submit the FAFSA when it opens and any CSS Profile the colleges require
Send test scores if the colleges want them

November to January

Submit regular decision applications
Send mid-year grades if requested
Apply for scholarships

February to April

Compare aid offers line by line
Visit or revisit top choices
Request disability housing accommodations early if needed

May

Commit and pay the deposit by the college's deadline, often May 1
Send the final transcript
Register with the disability services office if your student will use accommodations

General information from Caveat Academic Services, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules vary by state, school and college; confirm with each one.

Want help with this part? Your Caveat advisor keeps every senior-year deadline on one calendar and checks in every week.

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This tool is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Each college decides admission, aid and how credit counts, and requirements change; check each college's own pages. Examples are examples, not promises. Caveat Academic Services is an independent college preparation company. Students do all of their own work.