Congratulations—you’re a senior! While this year is filled with exciting milestones, it’s also one of the most important years for your college future. Staying organized and on top of deadlines will help you put your best foot forward. Here’s your month-by-month roadmap to navigate senior year successfully.
Summer Before Senior Year (June – August)
College Research & List Building
Finalize your college list (8-12 schools: 2-3 reach, 4-6 target, 2-3 safety)
Visit campuses if possible or take virtual tours
Note each school’s application requirements and deadlines
Testing
Register for fall ACT/SAT dates if you need to test or retest
Continue test prep if scores aren’t where you want them
Essays
Start brainstorming Common App essay topics
Begin drafting your personal statement
Research supplemental essay prompts for your schools
Administrative
Request transcripts from your high school
Ask 2-3 teachers for letters of recommendation (ask before school starts!)
Create a Common App, Coalition App, or state system account
September
Testing
Take September ACT if needed
Finalize your testing schedule—determine if you’ll test again in October or December (don’t forget to check scholarships brackets)
Essays
Complete first draft of Common App essay
Start outlining supplemental essays for Early Action/Early Decision schools
Get feedback from teachers, counselors, or trusted mentors
College List
Confirm application deadlines for each school
Decide if you’re applying Early Decision (binding) or Early Action (non-binding) anywhere
Note scholarship deadlines
Administrative
Follow up with teachers about recommendation letters
Update your activities list and honors/awards
Begin filling out Common App or other applications
October
Testing
Take October ACT/SAT if needed
Register for December test date if you need one more attempt
Applications
Early Decision/Early Action deadline: November 1st (for most schools)
Finalize and submit all EA/ED applications by mid-late October
Most EA/ED schools won’t accept November scores—check individual school policies
December ACT is typically the last test accepted for Regular Decision
Applications
Submit any remaining Early Action applications (some schools have November 15th deadlines)
Work on Regular Decision applications
Continue writing supplemental essays
Financial Aid
FAFSA opens October 1st – submit as early as possible
Submit CSS Profile if required by your schools
Research and apply for outside scholarships
Interviews
Respond promptly to any alumni interview requests
Prepare and practice common interview questions
December
Testing
December ACT/SAT – last chance for most Regular Decision schools
Check if your schools accept February test scores (rare, but some do)
Applications
EA/ED decisions typically arrive mid-December
If accepted ED: Withdraw all other applications
If deferred or denied: Finalize Regular Decision applications
Many Regular Decision deadlines are January 1st – don’t wait until the last minute!
Essays & Applications
Finish all remaining supplemental essays
Polish and proofread everything
Have someone else review your applications
Winter Break = Crunch Time
Use break to complete applications—don’t procrastinate!
January
Applications
Major deadline: January 1st for many Regular Decision schools
Some schools have mid-January deadlines (check your list!)
Submit all remaining applications by mid-month
Financial Aid
Complete FAFSA and CSS Profile if not already done
Submit any additional financial aid documents requested by schools
Continue applying for scholarships
Testing
Very few schools accept January/February test scores—verify before registering. Some may still accept higher ACT/SAT scores for scholarship reasons.
Mid-Year Grades
Request mid-year transcript be sent to colleges
Keep grades strong—colleges can rescind acceptances for poor performance
February – March
Wait Period
Regular Decision notifications typically arrive late March/early April
Check portals regularly for updates or requests for additional information
Continue applying for scholarships
Financial Aid
Complete any outstanding financial aid requirements
Watch for financial aid award letters
Academics
Don’t let “senioritis” set in—maintain your GPA
Stay involved in extracurriculars
April
Decision Time
Receive Regular Decision acceptances
Compare financial aid packages
Revisit top choice schools if possible (accepted student days)
National College Decision Day: May 1st – submit enrollment deposit
Financial Aid
Appeal financial aid if necessary
Accept your aid package from your chosen school
May – June
Final Steps
Submit final transcripts to your chosen college
Complete housing applications and deposits
Attend orientation if offered
Register for classes
Send thank-you notes to teachers and counselors who helped you
Academics
Finish strong—colleges can rescind acceptances for failing grades
Take AP exams if applicable
Key Reminders Throughout the Year
✅ Check your email daily – colleges communicate important information via email
✅ Track all deadlines – use a spreadsheet or planner to stay organized
✅ Make copies – save copies of all submitted applications and essays
✅ Proofread everything – typos and errors hurt your application
✅ Be authentic – let your genuine voice shine through in essays
✅ Ask for help – teachers, counselors, and mentors are there to support you
Don’t Forget: ACT Prep Timeline
If you’re planning to take or retake the ACT, remember that Get Smarter Prep ACT programs are designed to fit perfectly into your senior year schedule. Ideally, you should:
Take your final ACT by December of senior year (for Regular Decision schools)
Start test prep anywhere from 6-12 weeks before your test date
Consider September, October, or December test dates
Our Flex Course, Semi-Private, and Private Tutoring options can help you achieve your best possible score—giving you more college options and scholarship opportunities.
Senior year goes by faster than you think. Stay organized, start early, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. You’ve got this!
Questions about ACT prep or college applications? Contact Get Smarter Prep—we’re here to help you succeed.
