Senior Year College Application Timeline: A Month-by-Month Guide

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
• Complete all supplemental essays for early applications
• Proofread everything multiple times

Essays

• Continue working on Regular Decision essays
• Revise personal statement based on feedback

Financial Aid

• Create FSA ID for FAFSA (you and parent/guardian)
• Start gathering financial documents

November

Testing

• 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.