top of page
Search

Senior Year Checklist for Parents

Sep 4
3 min read

Summer Before Senior Year (June–August)

  •  Schedule senior portraits (book early — many photographers fill up before yearbook deadlines; check your specific campus's cutoff) https://www.opticalpoetry.com/what-to-expect

  •  Draft or finalize a college list (reach, match, and safety schools)

  •  Start campus visits or virtual tours

  •  Request test score reports (SAT/ACT) sent to colleges if not already done

  •  Ask 2–3 teachers/counselors for letters of recommendation

  •  Begin brainstorming and drafting the Common App or Coalition App essay

  •  Create an FSA ID for both student and parent (needed for FAFSA) at studentaid.gov

  •  Set up a shared calendar or spreadsheet to track application deadlines

  •  Research scholarships with early deadlines

September

  •  Confirm senior portrait proofs/order and yearbook photo submission deadline (usually in October)

  •  Finalize college list and confirm application requirements for each school

  •  Register for fall SAT/ACT if retaking

  •  Start early action/early decision applications (many deadlines are Nov 1)

  •  Request official transcripts be sent to colleges

  •  Follow up with recommendation letter writers — give them a resume/brag sheet

  •  Check whether any schools require the CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA

  •  Order cap and gown measurements if offered early

October

  • Senior ads are usually due this month, so get those in to your yearbook staff

  • Submit early action/early decision applications (verify each deadline individually)

  •  FAFSA opens October 1 — complete and submit as early as possible (this is a federal deadline, same regardless of district)

  •  Gather tax documents/financial info needed for FAFSA and CSS Profile

  •  Research and start applying for scholarships (local, community, and national)

  •  Attend college fairs or financial aid nights

  •  Proofread and finalize college essays

  •  Homecoming — fun to plan around, not a deadline item

November

  •  Submit remaining early decision/early action applications (Nov 1 and Nov 15 deadlines are common)

  •  Continue regular decision applications — aim to have most submitted before winter break

  •  Double-check FAFSA was received and processed (watch for SAR/confirmation)

  •  Apply for scholarships with fall deadlines

  •  Ask about senior year activities: senior night, sports banquets, club leadership photos

December

  •  Finish and submit regular decision applications (many are due Dec 31–Jan 15)

  •  Receive early decision/action results — discuss next steps if deferred or waitlisted

  •  Order senior yearbook ad if your school offers one

  •  Confirm all recommendation letters and transcripts were sent for each application

  •  Review FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy

  •  Look into winter/spring scholarship deadlines

January

  •  Confirm all regular decision applications are submitted

  •  File FAFSA updates if tax information changed

  •  Watch for CSS Profile deadlines at private colleges

  •  Start comparing financial aid award letters as they arrive

  •  Register for spring SAT/ACT if needed for scholarship or placement purposes

  •  Order cap, gown, and announcements if not done already

February

  •  Continue tracking financial aid and scholarship award letters

  •  Apply for local scholarships (many community/civic organizations have late-winter deadlines)

  •  Check in on senior spring activities: prom committee, senior trip, spring sports

  •  Follow up on any missing admission decisions

  •  Review "senior slump" grade expectations — some colleges request mid-year transcripts

March

  • Make lasting memories on your final Spring Break with your senior

  •  Compare acceptance letters and financial aid packages

  •  Calculate net cost (not just sticker price) for each school

  •  Contact financial aid offices with questions or to request appeals

  •  Order senior prom attire, tickets

  •  Confirm graduation requirements are on track with the counselor

  •  Check waitlist status and next steps if applicable

April

  •  Finalize college decision — National College Decision Day is May 1 (federal/national, applies everywhere)

  •  Submit enrollment deposit to chosen school

  •  Decline offers from schools you won't attend (frees space for waitlisted students)

  •  Sign up for housing and orientation at chosen college

  •  Complete any remaining scholarship applications

  •  Order graduation announcements/invitations if not already done

  •  Confirm cap, gown, and any regalia (cords, stoles) have arrived

May

  •  Submit AP exam registrations/fees if not already done, and prepare for exams

  •  Send final enrollment deposit and required forms to college

  •  Request final transcript be sent to college after graduation

  •  Attend senior awards night, prom, and senior picnic/trip

  •  Complete health forms, immunization records, and housing paperwork for college

  •  Confirm graduation ceremony details: tickets, seating, guest count, timing

  •  Order senior memory book/photo collage if planning one

  •  Attend graduation ceremony

June

  •  Send thank-you notes for graduation gifts and recommendation letters

  •  Set up college student email and portal access

  •  Register for freshman orientation

  •  Finalize housing assignment and roommate details

  •  Review and accept/decline remaining financial aid or loan offers

  •  Start packing/shopping list for move-in day

  •  Confirm health insurance coverage while at college

Ongoing all year

  •  Keep a running list of usernames/passwords for FAFSA, Common App, college portals, and scholarship sites

  •  Track every deadline in one shared place (calendar, spreadsheet, or app)

  •  Check in on your student's stress level — senior year is a lot for them too

Download PDF -


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page