Aurora Public Schools

Senior Year Timeline

All Year

• Talk to your counselors

• Discuss your college application plan & strategy

• Request a fee waiver for application or test fees, if eligible.

• Plan to visit as many of the colleges on your list as possible

• Especially if they have special open house weekends

• If you cannot visit in person:

• Contact admissions

• Go on a virtual tour

• Meet college reps at high schools' visits, college fairs & info sessions

• Visit college websites, create accounts and visit the app portal often

All of this demonstrates interest

• Study regularly for the ACT/SAT (Please note that the state of Colorado is Test Optional)

• Search & apply for scholarships for which you are eligible

Fall

August and September

• Finalize your application essay

• Get feedback, but keep your voice

• Visit Schools since classes are going on & students/professors are around

• You may even be able to sit in on a class or two

• Ask your letter writers for recommendations if you have not already done so

• Complete the Letter of Rec Profile to give to your letter writer ASAP

• Be as specific as possible & highlight the most important details

• Meet with them! There is no substitute for a quality chat/interview

• Emphasize the importance of a high-quality letter

• Say it's okay to decline if they're too busy to write a great letter

• Prepare your early applications (if applicable)

• Register for the October ACT/SAT (if appropriate)

October

• FAFSA opens October 1st

• The earlier you submit, the greater chance you will receive the aid you need

• Check out the Financial Aid page to find more information on FAFSA and CSS Profile

• CSS Profile (if necessary)

• Take the October SAT/ACT (if appropriate)

• Ask your letter writers for recommendations if you have not already done so

• Complete the Letter of Rec Profile to give to your letter writer ASAP

• Work towards completing all applications well before the due date

• The earlier you submit, the better your chances are of getting aid

November

• Find institutional scholarships at your chosen schools that require applications

  • Scout your school's financial aid web-pages for scholarships

  • Make sure to apply to all of those you qualify for, the earlier the better

Winter

December

• Final chance to take the SAT/ACT for most regular decision applicants

• Wrap up college applications

January and February

• All your applications should be submitted

• Ramp up your scholarship application efforts (thru the remainder of the year)

  • This should now become your part-time job

• Keep your grades up & don't drop/fail classes: Acceptances can be rescinded

Spring

March and April

• Regular admission applicants receive admission & your financial aid decisions

  • Consider negotiating/appealing financial aid award if the offer is too low

  • Meet with your counselor or college advisor to discuss financial aid award letter

• Compare acceptances & financial aid awards to help make your decision

• Be sure to complete all required paperwork by the appropriate deadlines

  • Acceptance letters & housing/tuition deposits are due by May 1st

  • Do not submit these before speaking with us

• Inform every college of your decision by May 1

• Keep your grades up and do not drop classes: acceptances can be rescinded

• Find institutional scholarships at your chosen schools that require applications

  • Scout your school's financial aid web-pages for scholarships

  • Make sure to apply to all of those you qualify for, the earlier the better

May

• Take AP & IB tests to earn some additional college credit

  • This may allow you to opt out of introductory gen ed. requirements

• Contact your future roommate by phone, email or social media

• Plan ahead for course registration and orientation

  • Take your time to review the course catalog to find the right classes for you

  • As a general rule, do not take less than 15 credits each semester

  • Prepare for culture shock and academic challenges in college

• Get your financial affairs in order

  • Communicate with your family about college expenses