Hilbert

HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR AND SENIOR CHECKLIST

high school junior and senior

• Checklist for Students (11th Grade):

• Throughout all of 11th grade:

• Explore careers that interest you and which majors will get you there.

• Start researching colleges that offers the major(s) you are considering.

• Attend college fairs and college information sessions.

• Become involved in extracurricular activities to start building your resume.

• Fall

• Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss courses needed to graduate, and (if interested) the possibility of taking any AP (Advanced Placement) or college-level coursework. 

• Take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test).

• Spring

• Register for, and take, standardized tests for college admission, SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and/or ACT (American College Test). (Be sure to find out which tests the colleges you are interested in require for admission).

• Start looking into scholarships you may be eligible for (through your high school, online, in your community, through employers, etc.). Sometimes there will be deadlines as early as the summer before you enter 12thgrade.

• Summer before 12th Grade

• Narrow down a list of colleges you are considering attending and visit them.

• Contact colleges to request information and applications for admission.

•  Checklist for Students (12th Grade):

• Throughout all of 12th grade:

• Be sure to work hard throughout the entire year, as admission decisions and scholarships can be based on the full year, rather than just the first half.

• Stay involved in extracurricular activities and take on leadership roles.

• Attend college fairs and make campus visits.

• Fall

• Meet with your school counselor to discuss colleges you are considering and make sure you are on track to fulfill college admission requirements.

• Contact teachers, counselors, etc. about writing letters of recommendations for you. 

• Apply to the colleges you have decided you may be interested in attending.

• Have your guidance office submit all required materials that the college needs (transcript, letters of recommendation, activity sheet, etc.).

• Winter

• After Jan. 1 (when your household has completed your income tax), complete and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Complete and submit any scholarship applications.

• Spring

• Attend accepted student events for incoming students in order to find the school that is the best fit for you.

• Compare the financial aid award letters from the schools you have been accepted at.

• When you decide which school you want to attend, notify that school of your commitment and submit any required financial deposit.

• As a courtesy to the schools you are not attending, it is encouraged to let them know of your decision as well.