12th Grade College Application Timeline

Want to know if you’re on track for the senior year timeline for the college application process? This college application timeline for seniors shows you what you should be doing, and when.

Fall

• Narrow your list of colleges to between 5 and 10. Meet with a counselor about your college choices and, if you haven’t done so yet, download college applications and financial aid forms. Plan to visit as many of these colleges as possible.
• Create a college application process timeline or calendar that includes:
  • Tests you’ll take and their fees, dates, and registration deadlines.
  • College application timeline and due dates.
  • Required financial aid application forms and their deadlines (aid applications may be due before college applications).
  • Other materials you’ll need (e.g., recommendations, transcripts)
  • Your school district's high school timeline for college application processing.

  

  Winter

  • Save copies as you finish and send your applications and essays.
  • Request your high school send an official transcript: It may be sent by U.S. mail or email. You may want a copy for yourself, though this copy wouldn’t be considered official.
  • Work with your counselor on mid-year updates if the college wants to see second-semester grades.

  Spring

  • Keep active in school. Whether you are waitlisted or already accepted, the college will want to know what you’ve accomplished between the time you applied and the time you learned of its decision.
  • Visit your final college before accepting. The college timeline for high school students shows that you should receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April. Notify your counselor of your choice. If you have questions about housing offers, talk to your counselor. Or call the college.r of your choice. If you have questions about housing offers, talk to your counselor or call the college.
  • Inform every college of your acceptance or rejection of the offer of admission and/or financial aid by May 1. Colleges can’t require your deposit or your commitment to attend before May 1. Talk to your counselor or adviser if you have questions.
  • Send your enrollment deposit after you receive the admission letter. The deposit goes toward your first year’s tuition. Some colleges may consider these deposits nonrefundable and may ask for additional funds related to fees like room and board.
  • Take any AP Exams. Show what you’ve learned in your AP classes. A successful score could even earn you credit, advanced placement, or both in college.
  • Waitlisted by a college? If you intend to enroll if you are accepted, tell the admission director your intent and ask how to strengthen your application. Need financial aid? Ask whether funds will be available if you’re accepted.
  • Work with a counselor to resolve any admissions or financial aid problems.
  • Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your college either electronically or through the U.S. mail.
  • Review your financial aid awards: Not all financial aid awards are the same, so it’s important to choose the aid package that’s best for you and your family. Be sure to note what you have to do to continue receiving financial aid from year to year, and how your aid might change in future years.

  When do college applications open for the next year’s class?

  Most college applications open August 1 each year for students who plan to begin college classes for the following year’s fall semester.