A Parent's Guide to the College Preparation Process

12th Grade (Senior)

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• Expect Senioritis
• Update student portfolio
• Check transcripts to make sure student has all credits needed
• Your student can take ACT and SAT again, if desired
• Double check your student's final list of colleges, requirements, and required admission items for each school
• Coordinate with your high school counselor to have transcripts and test scores sent to appropriate schools
• Double check deadlines and apply to colleges
• Keep copies of all applications
• Distribute recommendation letters to teachers with stamped and addressed envelopes
• Double check with the admissions office of each college to verify receipt of materials and check to see they have everything they need
• After January 1st, complete the Free Application for Student Financial Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov online (parent’s income tax information required)
• Student should receive the Student Aid Report (SAR) w/in 4 weeks of completing the FAFSA - mail back any corrections
• Double check with the financial office of each college to verify receipt of materials and check to see they have everything they need
• Check into scholarships, work study, grants and loan options at each school (ICC scholarship deadline is April 1)
• Students generally receive college acceptance letters by April 15
• Send deposit to reserve student’s spot for those colleges they are still considering (most likely this will be non-refundable)
• Notify colleges that student has eliminated to free up open spots for others
• Testing options:
  Take any AP exams for subjects studied in High School
  Take the ICC placement test at the High School during the spring semester
• Contact high school counselor to send student's final transcripts to the college your student will definitely be attending
• Enjoy graduation together and praise accomplishments!