Seniors: Are you planning to continue your education after high school graduation? If so, check out this time line of things you should be doing month by month.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER:

• Research your career plans and post secondary education choices using AKCIS (www.akcis.org), College View (www.collegeview.com), or college Internet sites.
• Visit the West Valley counseling web site for helpful information: http://wvh.k12northstar.org/counseling-center
• Review high school graduation requirements with your counselor.
• Narrow down your list to include some challenges (i.e. perhaps above your reach), some realistic, and some safety colleges (most likely to admit you).
• Make a file for each prospective school (noting important dates.)
• Register to take or retake the SAT I, SAT II and / or ACT tests. If you are NOT college bound, you should still take one of these tests.
• Begin to write your entrance essays when appropriate for specific schools.
• Register with NCAA Eligibility Center if planning to play in NCAA sports and if you didn’t do so as a junior.

OCTOBER:

• If you will need a counselor recommendation, fill out the "Personal Profile" form, that can be obtained in the counseling office.
• Ask parents to fill out the "Parent Input for College Recommendation" form.
• Decide what schools you will apply to. List application requirements.
• Request teacher and counselor recommendations if required by the school of your choice.
• Ask for help editing college essays. Finalize your essay.
• Pay attention to early decision deadlines.
• Visit selected schools if you haven’t done so already.

NOVEMBER:

• Continue to work on applications.
• Refer to your files to keep on top of application due dates.
• Research scholarships offered by businesses, parents’ employers, civic groups. Some are available to college or technical school - bound students. -Review Scholarship binder, and file cabinet in Counseling office. -Refer to Scholarships on WV web site: http://wvh.k12northstar.org/counseling-center/
• Meet early decision / early action deadlines.

DECEMBER:

• Complete SAT and ACT testing by December. Make sure that scores are sent to the appropriate colleges. (Standby registration is possible if you missed a deadline.)
• If accepted for early decision, withdraw application to other schools by mail.
• Get a copy of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov) and / or the PROFILE (www.collegeboard.com) and discuss with your parents.

JANUARY:

• Complete applications. Mail them or send them online.
• Complete and send in financial aid applications including the FAFSA and / or PROFILE.
• Ask your counselor to complete a mid-year report if and when one is requested.
• Register for challenging second semester classes.
• Maintain second semester grades. (Schools can rescind their acceptances.)

FEBRUARY:

• Check to see that your schools received your applications and references.
• Carefully read all information sent to you.
• Encourage your parents to complete their tax returns early to help determine financial need.

MARCH:

• Discuss any admission problems with your counselor.
• Supply additional information if requested.
• Notify your counselor when admitted.
• Register at West Valley for AP tests if you took AP classes.
• Visit schools during spring break if you haven’t already done so.

APRIL:

• Watch for letters of acceptance.
• Consider financial aid packages carefully as offers arrive.
• Follow acceptance instructions carefully.
• Pay close attention to dates needing your attention (housing, acceptance of financial aid packages, etc.)
• If on a wait list, write a letter expressing interest and sending any additional information.

MAY:

• If applicable, study for and take AP exams.
• Notify those schools that you will not be attending.
• Follow up on financial aid packages.
• Request final transcripts from Counseling office and send to the school of your choice and NCAA (if applicable), and keep a couple extras to have on hand.
• Fill out housing forms if planning to live on campus.
• GRADUATION