WELCOME CLASS OF 2024!

12th Grade Checklist

Fall 2023

• Continue to Visit Schools! Seniors can have up to two excused absences for college visits. Use this form to take advantage of college visits!
• Finalize Your College List! When applying for college, use the information you have gathered from college visits, interviews, and your own research. It is okay to apply to colleges that you think will be more difficult to get accepted. It is also important to put a few safety schools (where you are sure you will get in) on your list. Talk to counselors, teachers, and parents about your final choices.
• Stay on Track! Colleges will look at what you have done in your senior year, so stay focused on doing well in your classes and maintaining a commitment to extracurricular activites.
• Submit Financial Aid Forms! No matter your family's income level, the FAFSA/TASFA is your main priority for financial aid purposes as it will determine how much you are expected to pay toward your college expenses. More information can be found at College for All Texans.
• Take Standardized Tests! Register for and take the ACT or SAT. Be sure you have requested your test scores be sent to the colleges of your choice.
• Ask for Letters of Recommendation! Give letter of recommendation forms to the teachers you have chosen. Discuss your goals and ambitions with your teachers so they will be more prepared to write about you. 
• Complete Applications! Finish the application forms for your schools of interest. Proofread your applications and make extra copies before you send them. Make sure you have sent all necessary materials, including test scores, recommendations, transcripts, and application essays. You should plan to get all this done before winter break so you will not be rushing to make deadlines.
• Transcripts! Official transcripts must be requested using Parchment.

Winter 2023 - Spring 2024

• Build Your Credentials! Be sure to keep track of academic and extracurricular awards, community service achievements, etc. This is information you will need when applying to college and/or building your resume!
• Stay Involved! Taking on leadership roles and making a commitment to the same groups are more important than trying out tons of new activities each year.
• Transcripts! Official transcripts must be requested using Parchment.
• Compare Financial Aid Packages! Make sure to consider each financial aid award carefully. If you have questions, contact the financial aid office of the college to get more information. Financial aid is a key factor in deciding where you will attend.
• Prepare for Standardized Tests! You may be taking AP, IB, or UT OnRamps exams to earn college credit as the school year winds down.
• Make Your Final College/Career Decisions! Notify all schools of your intent by May 1. If you are not sure which college offer to accept, make one more campus visit to the schools you are considering. Make sure to send your deposit to your chosen school and ask your school counselor to send your final transcript to the college in June.