Planning Timelines
Twelfth-Grade Planner
August/September
- Meet with your counselor to make sure you’re on track to meet graduation and admissions requirements.
- Keep doing your best in your classes.
- Narrow your list of schools and request admissions information from each.
- Check out the catalog from each school you’re interested in. Most catalogs are online, or you can ask the school to send you one.
- Request your personalized Getting the Facts – Your Personalized College Guide online through your MyKHEAA account.
- Most early decision or early action admission deadlines are in October and November.
- Create a college access calendar to track:
- Test dates, fees and deadlines.
- College application due dates.
- Financial aid applications and deadlines.
- Deadlines for requesting recommendation letters, transcripts and other necessary material. Ask people at least two weeks before you need them.
- Register for the October SAT and/or ACT. You must take the ACT/SAT before you graduate from high school to qualify for a KEES bonus award.
- Go to https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing to set up a Federal Student Aid ID and password.
October
- Gather information you need to file the FAFSA. Submit it as soon as possible after Oct. 1. The best way to file is online at studentaid.gov/fafsa-app/ROLES.
- Begin writing admissions essays. Ask a teacher or counselor to review and provide feedback.
- Attend college fairs, visit colleges and meet with admission representatives.
- Request recommendations from teachers, employers and counselors. Give each person your resume; a stamped, addressed envelope; and any required forms
- Apply for early decision if that’s your plan. Keep copies of everything you send.
November
- Use Affording Higher Education and Scholarship Search to find scholarships. Apply for all scholarships for which you are eligible.
- Complete any college essays you have to submit. Have a teacher or parent proofread for mistakes.
- Make a list of your top choices and begin preparing applications.
December
- Get your recommendation letters from your references and send them thank-you notes.
- Finish and submit your college applications. Keep copies of everything you send.
- Have your high school send transcripts to the colleges you selected.
January
- If you’re accepted for early decision, withdraw applications to other schools.
- Complete any additional financial aid applications required by schools. Keep copies of everything you send.
- Contact colleges to make sure they received your application.
- Submit mid-year grade reports to schools that require them.
February
- Register for the May SAT or April ACT. This may be your LAST CHANCE to earn your full KEES scholarship award.
- Review college acceptance letters and compare financial aid offers.
March
- Make your final choice. Send acceptance letters, any other documents and deposits to the school you chose.
- Notify the schools you won’t be attending.
- Request course descriptions and schedules from the school you have selected.
- Review your Student Aid Report, which will tell you how much your family is expected to pay for your education. If any information is incorrect, make corrections online at studentaid.gov/fafsa-app/ROLES
- If selected for financial aid verification, provide documents to the college.
April
- Confirm housing arrangements and send in any required deposits.
- Take AP exams.
May
- Submit scholarship acceptance forms.
- Make sure you’ve returned all financial aid award notices.
- Plan to attend freshman orientation and registration.
June
- Make sure your final high school transcript is sent to the school you’ll attend.
- Consider getting a summer job to help you pay some of your expenses.
- Send thank-you notes to anyone who helped you during the application process.
July
- Make a list of what you’ll need to take with you.
- If you haven’t met your roommate, take time to get acquainted.
- Check your school’s social media websites to connect with other students.
August
- Make sure you have your housing documentation when you move into the dorm.
- Review a campus map. Learn how to get around at your new school.
- Buy your books and supplies after the first class meeting.
- Work hard in your classes so your college career will be a success.