College Planning Timeline

Other Helpful Links

Resource Links

Senior Year by the Month

August - September

  • Continue to research colleges and go to campus visits.

  • Consider attending the National College Fair in Mpls.

  • Review list of colleges visiting Naviance and sign up.

  • Check test dates for ACT, SAT, ASVAB or the Accuplacer.

  • Start working on your resume.

  • Research scholarships and keep track of deadlines.

  • Create your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at fsaid.ed.gov

October

  • The FAFSA application is now open! You should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within a few weeks.

  • Determine your 3-5 colleges that you will apply to and start your applications. Keep track of deadlines!

  • If applying “early decision” or “early action” send your application now. Be sure that you know the difference.

  • Check out the MN Office of Higher Education web site for a list of FREE college apps in October.

  • Attend a Financial Aid or FAFSA completion night at HHS.

  • Determine if you are using the Common App. If YES, you must see your counselor before starting.

  • Complete your resume.

  • Continue working on scholarship applications.

November

  • Complete your college applications and send before Thanksgiving.

  • Pay the application fee (if applicable)

  • Send your ACT scores through ACT.org

  • Request and pay for your transcript through Family Connections.

  • Do you need letters of recommendation? Give your completed resume and request form (pink sheet) to the person(s) writing your letter. Request through Family Connections.

December - January

  • Apply for the Local Scholarship Program. Proofread your essay!

  • Keep track of deadlines and any correspondence from the colleges you have applied to.  

  • Check if your college offers additional scholarships in a separate application.

February - March

  • Update Naviance with college acceptance / denials.

  • Touch base with your counselor.

  • Compare acceptance letters, financial aid packages and scholarship offers between colleges.  

April - May

  • Notify colleges of your intent by May 1st.

  • Review your financial aid package and determine if additional funding will be required.

  • Complete all materials that were mailed to you (health forms, room and board forms, meal plans, etc).

June

  • Request and pay for your final transcript through Naviance. It should arrive at your college by July 1st.

  • Don't panic if your college sends you a notice that your final transcript is missing. They are notorious for sending blanket emails to students, even if it does not apply to you. First ask yourself 1) Did I request my final transcript? 2) Did I pay for my final transcript? Check Parchment for any messages.

The Counseling & Career Center offices ARE NOT OPEN over the summer break.

Class of 2022-Summer Before Senior Year

Early in the Fall, the counselors and I  will visit all 12th-grade social studies classes to talk about important processes regarding your senior year and post-high school plan processes, such as official transcript orders, letters of recommendation, Xello, college and military rep visits, ACT (and test-optional), college application deadlines, college fairs, financial aid, etc. 

Some of you may be wondering what you can be doing between now and then to prepare for your post-high school plans.

The Career Center Schoology Group and High School webpages (under Services/Career Center) have information about part-time jobs, volunteering, college planning, financial aid/scholarships, and more. 

Here is what I would recommend doing this summer: 

  • Volunteer – community service is one of the biggest factors that donors look for in the HHS Local Scholarship Program (opens to all Seniors in December 2021) and helps strengthen many college and scholarship applications.  

  • Find a part-time job. Gain experience and save money!

  • Visit colleges and/or meet with representatives from the military. What to ask a College Admissions Rep

  • Find someone who is in the industry or the job you want to be in, and interview them.  Ask about their interest in the field, their education, past jobs, and advice.

  • Look for scholarships.

Other links for what to do this summer and during your senior year: