Senior year often requires proactive engagement in the college admissions process. If students don’t take certain steps, they could miss out on tons of opportunities for the future of their education. Use this comprehensive senior year college prep checklist created to ease tensions for students going into their senior year of high school.

1. Finalize College List (Early Fall):

Seniors should kickstart the school year by refining their list of potential colleges, basing their decisions with thorough research. Help them consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, and campus culture, as well as the potential cost of a typical college year. Don’t forget to go over any financial aid opportunities that fit that student’s hobbies and interests.

2. Application Preparation:

Applying for colleges takes some time. Each application generally has multiple parts to it. It helps to break it down into steps rather than try to do everything all at once. Start by tackling college applications, essays, and personal statements. Well crafted, compelling personal statements and essays make all the difference when an application is being reviewed.

Students should take the time to seek feedback from trusted mentors, teachers, or peers as they refine and tailor their essays and statements to each college’s specific prompts and requirements. The start of senior year is an ideal time to request letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors if they haven’t already been requested.

Illustration: Chepe Daniel

3. Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Navigate the realm of financial aid and scholarships by researching available options and completing required forms such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or institution-specific aid applications.

Millions of dollars worth of scholarship money goes unclaimed each year so it’s important to remember that senior year is the time to maximize chances of securing financial assistance by applying to as many relevant scholarships as possible. Banzai’s Paying for College and Scholarships activities help students get started with this process if they’re unsure where to start.

4. Application Submission:

Make sure all required documentation is prepared and submitted well in advance of college application deadlines. Double-check that application materials, such as recommendation letters, transcripts, and supplementary documents, are accurate and complete. Staying organized is key, and it’s important to follow up with colleges to confirm receipt of all necessary materials.

Wondering what documents you should have on hand at the start of the application process? Check out our College Application Checklist.

5. Interviews and Portfolios:

Getting ready for college interviews doesn’t have to be stressful. You just have to do a little research on the college or university beforehand! It’s a good idea to check out what past candidates have experienced—some schools expect you to be really on your game. For example, the interview process at places like Juilliard compared to MIT couldn’t be more different, so knowing what the schools will be looking for lightens the fear of the unknown.

6. Decision Making:

Take a close look at those acceptance letters, financial aid offers, and other important details when choosing which college to attend. It’s all about making sure the final choice lines up with long-term goals. Pick the school that’s most likely to help its students reach those big dreams!

While a higher cost of education isn’t necessarily a drawback, it’s important to keep the idea of ideal tuition cost in mind during the decision-making process. For instance, if a college with lower tuition offers comparable opportunities to higher-priced institutions, give it due consideration. And don’t forget to factor in the cost of living for the institution’s location, as this can significantly impact the overall expense of attending school there. Are you prepared to attend a college outside of your home state, even if it entails higher tuition fees?

7. Final Transcripts:

One important step in senior year college prep is ensuring that all potential universities or colleges receive your high school transcripts. To facilitate a smooth transition, arrange for your high school to send your final transcripts to the college you’ve committed to. It’s also smart to follow up and confirm that the transcripts have been received to prevent any enrollment delays.

8. Preparing for Freshman Year of College:

So, you’ve graduated, applied, and received some acceptance letters—what’s next? Wrap up your senior year by attending orientation sessions at your chosen college. This is a great way to dive into the collegiate experience, get familiar with your new environment, and maybe even meet some of your future classmates.

Illustration: Chepe Daniel

Now’s a great time to start planning your housing situation and picking up any school supplies you’ll need. Don’t forget to check out the campus facilities and amenities—you wouldn’t want to miss out on a new meal card opportunity, would you?

It’s true that a lot of what comes next relies on heavy financial planning. Tuition, books, housing, food, and so much more are all costs you and your family need to address before moving up and moving your roots to a new city or state. Now, before you start to feel too overwhelmed, here’s a simple college budget breakdown that can help you plan for all of it.

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