What’s the May 1 decision deadline?

It is the reply deadline at many schools. Submit one enrollment deposit by the date, decline others, and complete housing/orientation steps.

HS Senior Year Timeline: Key Steps to Follow

Q: What are the key tasks for September?

Finalize essays, request transcripts/recommendations, register for fall ACT/SAT if submitting scores, and prepare portfolios/auditions where required. Track honors and competitive scholarship applications.

Q: What should I do in October?

Submit Early Action/Early Decision applications due in October, demonstrate interest via visits and virtual events, and prepare FAFSA/CSS documents for filing as soon as they open.

Q: What happens in November?

Hit most EA/ED deadlines, finish supplemental essays, submit merit/departmental scholarships tied to early dates, and confirm test score reporting. Monitor portals for missing items.

Q: What are December priorities?

Finish remaining early apps, verify materials received, and submit additional scholarship forms. If applying ED, prepare for mid-December decisions and preliminary aid estimates.

Q: What should I focus on February–March?

Watch for admissions and aid offers, complete verification tasks, compare net prices, and attend admitted-student events to evaluate fit.

July 29, 2025

Jarad Stolz, CLTC, CRPC

Senior Year Timeline: What to Do and When to Do It

Senior year is the busiest—and most important—year in the college process. From applications to financial aid, staying on top of the timeline can mean the difference between a dream school with full aid or a missed opportunity.

Here’s a high-level timeline:

August–October: Finalize college list, begin applications, take or retake SAT/ACT, start FAFSA prep
October–December: Submit FAFSA and CSS Profile, meet Early Action/Decision deadlines, compare net price calculators
January–March: Submit regular applications, track aid letters, consider appeals
April–May: Make final decisions, compare offers, submit deposits

At Diversified College Planning, we provide personalized roadmaps tailored to each family’s goals. We track deadlines, suggest schools that maximize aid, and help you avoid costly mistakes throughout senior year.

Contact Us Today:
Senior year doesn’t have to be overwhelming—we’ll guide you step-by-step.

📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Jarad
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/

FAQs: Senior Year Timeline — What to Do and When to Do It

What should I finish before school starts (late summer)?

Lock a balanced college list, draft your main essay and activity list, line up recommenders, and map each school’s Early Action/priority and scholarship deadlines. Create accounts for the Common App/Coalition and note program-specific forms.

What are the key tasks for September?

Finalize essay drafts, request transcripts/recs, register for fall ACT/SAT if submitting scores, and complete required portfolios/auditions where applicable. Track honors/competitive scholarship applications with earlier internal deadlines.

What should I do in October?

Submit Early Action/Early Decision applications that require October deadlines, attend rep visits and virtual sessions (demonstrated interest), and prepare FAFSA/CSS Profile documents for filing as soon as they open.

What happens in November?

Hit most EA/ED deadlines, wrap supplemental essays, and submit major merit/departmental scholarships tied to early dates. Confirm test score reporting and check portals for missing items.

What are December priorities?

Finish any remaining early apps, verify that schools received recommendations and test scores, and submit additional scholarship forms. If applying ED, be ready for mid-Dec decisions and financial aid estimates.

What should I do in January?

Submit remaining Regular Decision applications, meet FAFSA/CSS priority deadlines, and send mid-year grades when requested. Continue applying for outside scholarships and honors programs.

What should I focus on February–March?

Watch for admits and aid offers, complete any verification requests from aid offices, compare net price estimates, and schedule admitted-student events to evaluate fit.

How do I compare financial aid offers?

Normalize to total Cost of Attendance, separate grants/scholarships from loans/work, note renewal conditions (GPA/credit minimums), and project four-year totals before deciding.

Can I appeal for more financial aid?

Often yes. If circumstances changed or you have better offers, submit a documented, professional appeal highlighting new information (income changes, medical expenses, updated awards).

What’s the May 1 (or stated) decision deadline?

It’s the universal candidate reply date at many schools. Submit one enrollment deposit by the deadline, decline others courteously, and complete housing and orientation steps.

What if I’m waitlisted?

Accept the spot promptly, send an interest letter with meaningful updates (grades, awards), and secure a seat elsewhere by the deposit deadline. Ask about housing/aid if admitted later.

What are “senior spring” tasks after depositing?

Submit final transcript, complete immunizations/health forms, set up student accounts, accept/decline aid in the portal, finalize housing, and track orientation and placement exams.

How can Diversified College Planning help with the timeline?

We build a month-by-month plan, align EA/ED/RD strategy, manage essays and forms, forecast and compare net price, and guide appeals so you meet every deadline with confidence.

Senior Year Timeline: What to Do and When to Do It

FAQs: Senior Year Timeline — What to Do and When to Do It

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