Collegiate Challenge Monthly Conversation Topics
Senior Year
September
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Register for usernames and passwords for applytexas.org (State of Texas Common
Application) and www.commonapp.org (application used by most private colleges
and universities). Other state schools have their own applications
Start filling in application information – please be thorough and check for spelling
errors
Make sure student have request application waivers
Get official GPA and class rank
Finalize resume with summer activities
Finalize essays
Common Application opened up on July 1st and ApplyTexas opened up August 1st
Decide if you are apply to any schools Early Action or Early Decision (binding)
Register and study for any final testing student needs to do for admissions or
scholarships
Set academic goals for high grades this semester. This is the last semester that will
be evaluated for admissions
October
 Submit applications and check for institutional scholarship applications
 If student academically qualifies for Honors Programs, this is the time to apply
 Most scholarship and honors program application are early deadlines so please note
the dates
 Review scholarship log and work on scholarships 2 months in advance
 Request that official transcripts, official standardized test, counselor
recommendation forms, and teacher recommendation forms or letters be sent into
college
 Please provide counselor and teachers an envelope addressed to the colleges with
the school’s return address and stamped be given with your request
 Get extra copies to the recommendations to use for scholarship applications
 Follow up that college’s have received your application and the file is complete for
their review – you must be on track with this (at the University of Texas you can
now only apply for priority housing if you application is complete; Texas A&M
University you can only apply for housing after you have been accepted)
 Student should continue to develop a relationship with admission officer
 Most private colleges will require the CSS Profile by College Board to be completed.
Priority must complete this form this month. Gather parent’s and student’s most
current tax return, last pay stub and asset information to complete this form. If
student apply for SATs using a waiver, they can also get a waiver for this form, if
not a fee will be assessed (see website)
November
 Absolutely all college applications need to be submitted – waiting any longer will
jeopardized the student ability for scholarships
 Start gathering parent’s and student’s tax return information or last pay stub to
work on rough drafts of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
 Application should be submitted soon after January 1st
 FAFSA can be estimated until current tax returns can be filed by the family;
encourage parent’s and student file as soon as they get their W-2 forms
 Take any last minute SATs or ACTs for scholarship consideration
 Continuously apply for scholarships
 Continuously check college application status
December
 Get the bulk of your scholarship application submitted during holiday break
 Study hard for finals as this is the last semester grades that will be submitted for
your application evaluation
 Continue to research career choice, industries, and current events – they will be
needed for scholarship interviews
 Early Action and Early Decision applicants will receive notification decision by
December 15th
 Must make a decision or take action with Early Decision School by January 1 st
January
 Financial Aid Informational Session
 Gather last pay studs for both parent and student from previous year and parents
and students assets
 Complete FAFSA and submit information
 Continue to work on scholarship applications
 Must make Early Decision acceptance deposit by January 1st and submit housing
application
 Practice interview questions
 Encourage a strong second semester. Admission is conditional to SATISFACTORY
completion of the senior year – which means not dropping classes, switching from
AP to regular classes, and maintaining the same grades
February
 Priority filing for the FAFSA is March 1st for the State of Texas; other colleges may
have earlier filing deadlines
 Early notification for rolling admissions should be coming this month
 Decide on dorms to choose for housing
 Continue applying for scholarships
 Practice interview questions
March
 Plan college visits to accepted schools
 Request deposit waivers from college admission office for hardship cases
 Scholarships
April
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Discuss Orientation options
Go over preparing for college life
Discuss how financial aid will pay for classes
Requirements to maintain financial aid and scholarship
All final college decision must be made by May 1st
Congratulations! You have successfully enhanced a student’s life.