Senior Year Post-Grad Planning

September 

  • Review your transcript.
  • Begin to finalize your list of colleges.
  • Schedule appointment with your college counselor.
  • Receive and review College Counseling Guide Part II.
  • Request college applications for your schools of interest.
  • Request teacher and counselor recommendations.
  • Visit College Board online to practice sample SAT test items.
  • Consider registering for the SAT and/or ACT online via their respective websites.
  • Meet with college representatives who visit Gonzaga this fall (see the College Counseling Newsletter updates)
  • Ask teacher(s) of choice to write recommendation(s) for college.
  • If needed, register with the NCAA Clearinghouse on their website.

 October 

  • Finalize college choices.
  • Work on application essays.  Ask teachers or counselors to read/review essays.
  • Complete Early Decision and/or Early Action applications.
  • Update your "resume" - your list of accomplishments, involvement, and work experience.
  • Request teacher recommendations.
  • Meet with college representatives who visit Gonzaga this fall.

 November 

  • Meet Early Decision and Early Action deadlines.
  • Assist parents with completing CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE for colleges that require it.
  • Adhere to the counseling office’s application processing deadlines.
  • Meet with college representatives who visit Gonzaga this fall.

 December

  • Remember, Gonzaga will be closed over the holidays, so get applications done early to meet deadlines.
  • Talk with visiting high school alumni about their college experience.
  • Apply for a U.S. Department of Education personal identification number for both you and your parents at: www.pin.ed.gov.   

 January 

  • Visit College Board Online for information about financial aid.
  • Continue to research scholarship opportunities through: counselors; internet; libraries; and by contacting colleges directly.
  • Once mid-year grades are available, an updated transcript will automatically be sent to schools.  No additional envelopes are necessary.
  • Complete and submit your FAFSA form at: www.fafsa.gov.

 February

  • Be sure all necessary materials have been sent to your chosen college (check online, see your College Counselor).
  • Don't get senioritis; colleges want to see strong second semester grades.

 March 

  • Be sure colleges have received all the materials needed to make a decision.
  • Continue searching for scholarship opportunities.

 April 

  • Prepare for May AP Examinations, if applicable.
  • Admission decisions arrive.
  • Review college acceptance; perhaps revisit your top choices; feel free to consult with your counselor as you discern the best choices for you.
  • Review financial aid packages; talk with college financial aid officers.

 May & June

  • Take AP Examinations (as applicable).
  • Maintain your academic momentum.
  • Notify the college you choose of your decision to attend and send deposit by May 1.
  • Thank teachers/counselors who wrote recommendations.
  • Notify colleges you did not choose.
  • At the Senior Assembly you'll tell the College Counselors the college you've selected; final transcripts will be sent automatically to that school in early June.
  • Make sure you have completed and returned your Senior Exit Interview Form to your college counselor.
  • DC Residents register for DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DC TAG) if eligible.  Information available here.

 July & August 

  • Work to help pay for college.
  • Read and stay ready for college.
  • Read all information that you receive from your college.
  • Complete and return any requested college forms.
  • Attend orientation meetings offered by the college.