How to Start Planning for College in the 12th Grade
Your senior year is finally here! From extracurricular activities, prom, graduation, and planning for college, there are a lot of things you need to keep track of.
Things you can do before winter break (July– December)
Stay Organized
Keep a master calendar or save application deadlines on your phone. Your calendar should include:
- A plan to take the SAT. Make sure to know registration deadlines, test dates, and locations.
- College application due dates.
- Any form and deadlines related to financial aid.
- Materials needed for your application, such as letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a portfolio.
Strengthen Your College List
It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what college to attend. Your college list should be a balanced mix of at least six safety, match, and reach schools.
- Safety is a college that you likely have a very good chance of getting into and you can afford. Safeties should also be colleges you’d be happy to attend.
- Match is a college you likely have a good chance of getting into that’s also a good fit for you overall.
- Reach is a college that may be more of a challenge for you to get into. Getting in isn’t a sure thing, but it’s realistic enough to be worth the effort of applying.
Register for AP Exams
For the AP courses you’re enrolled in this school year, plan to register for your AP Exams. Check with your AP teachers or coordinator regarding your school’s registration deadline.
A score of 3 or higher can get you college credit at more colleges than ever before. Check out the credit policies at the schools you’re interested in.
Take the SAT One More Time
If you’ve already taken the SAT, you can take it again to improve your score.
If you’ve taken the ACT, you might find that the SAT is a better test for you. The official SAT practice is complete free and, just like the SAT, is completely digital.
Complete the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) opens in the fall.
Remember to create your FSA ID and begin working on your FAFSA application. The earlier you complete it, the better you can plan financially for college.
Be Aware of Admissions Deadlines
- Early Decision: You can apply to only one early decision college, and if the college accepts your application and offers you financial aid, you must attend that college.
- Early Action: You can apply to more than one early action college, and if they accept your application, you can accept it right away or wait until spring to decide.
- Rolling Admissions: This means the college will consider each application as soon as all the required information has been received and will usually notify you with their decision quickly.
If you have to submit official transcripts, make sure your high school counselor sends your transcripts at least two weeks before your colleges need them or after you apply to your colleges.
Ask for Letters of Recommendation
If required for your application, a letter of recommendation can showcase your talents and help your application stand out.
Create a “brag sheet” to share your achievements, such as community service and volunteering, school clubs, leadership experiences, employment, honors and awards, or other information that goes beyond your academic record.
Write Your Personal Essay
Your essay reveals something about you beyond your grades and test scores. It gives admissions officers a sense of who you are. Make sure you proofread everything before sharing and submitting your essays.
Things You Can Do Before the School Year Ends (January-May)
Accepting Admission and Financial Aid
If you’ve received acceptance letters from your chosen colleges, congratulations! The next step is to review your options and choose which college you will accept. Consider the following:
- Review your financial aid awards and scholarships, choose the aid package that’s best for you and your family.
- Inform the colleges whether you accept or kindly reject their offer of admission and/or financial aid by May 1.
If you’re waitlisted, stay active in school to show the college what you accomplished since you applied.
Try to get a sense of your admission chances by contacting the admissions office about your ranking on the waitlist or asking if they have a priority list. Ask how you can strengthen your application and your intention to enroll.
Take Your AP Exams
Taking the AP Exams you’re registered for shows colleges that you’re committed and motivated to succeed.
- Review the exam schedule and make a plan to get ready for exam day.
- Login to AP Classroom to use free resources, including AP Daily videos, to review content and get prepared.
- Use your free score send before the deadline to send your AP Exam scores to the college, university, or scholarship organization of your choice.