Senior Planning Guide
Harlan High School
Senior Checklist
Fall
- Keep your grades up Senior year. You still have to PASS to graduate. So make sure you're doing your homework, even if you have applications and college essays to complete.
- Complete college applications through Common Application or Apply Texas.
- Complete your online application for student aide through FAFSA.
- Talk to your counselor to ensure you're on track to graduate and meet college admissions requirements.
- Keep a calendar, schedule or agenda for all the upcoming deadlines.
- Cafe College provides information, technology resources, and test preparation courses to better prepare students to enter college.
- Ask for TRANSCRIPTS and other important documents way before the deadline! Click here to order your NISD transcript. *Reminder Transcripts are $3 each.
- If you haven't done so, register and take tests such as the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT. Check with the colleges to see which one they require for admission. (Your scores could exempt you from taking the TSI). Send scores to colleges and universities.
Click the image below to access our College, Career, and Military Center website.
Visit our College, Career, and Military Advisor, Mrs. Byrnes, in room A105 to get more information.
Click the image below for Scholarship Opportunities.
Letter of Recommendation: Things to Do
- Think ahead! Ask for letters of recommendations way before the deadline (3-4 weeks).
- Help your recommender (counselor, teacher, coach, community member, etc.) by filling out this brag sheet.
- Provide a High School Resume. Check out this link to help you create your own resume.
- Give your recommender enough time to complete the letter (up to 3 weeks). *Don't expect them to write it over night.
- Send thank you cards to recommenders. (It is a nice gesture and should not be a text, or email!)
- Attend financial aid nights offered at your school. (Check the Harlan website for information on upcoming events).
Spring: January - March
- Keep a calendar, schedule, or agenda for all the upcoming deadlines.
- Take the TSI. See Ms. Hernandez in room B100 for information about when Harlan will be TSI testing here on campus.
- Consider college prep classes if you do not score well on the TSI.
- Minimize the amount of loan funds you borrow- apply for scholarships and grants!
- Attend financial aid nights offered at your school and community.
- If you're taking an AP class, study and TAKE THE AP EXAM!
- Make sure you have a copy of your Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine (must provide proof to college/university)
- Request final and official transcript to be sent to college/university.
Click the image below for Graduation Information.
Spring: April - June
- Graduate!
- Review your college acceptances and compare the colleges' financial aid packages.
- Decide which school you want to attend. Notify the school of your choice and submit any required financial deposit. Many schools require notification/deposit by May 1.
- Make all of your deposits on time: class spot, housing, etc.
- Send final high school transcript to your college. If you took dual credit, request your college transcript from Northwest Vista.
- Make sure verification documents for FAFSA are submitted.
- Submit all FAFSA required documents, loans, work study, other worksheets.
Tuition is due tomorrow and you don't have the money! What can you do:
- Check on installment payments.
- Meet with a college financial aid advisor/counselor.
Things to keep in mind going into your freshman year of college:
- Your college might request additional information and documents. Respond by all deadlines or you will not receive federal student aid.
- Accept your financial awards or contact a school's financial aid office if you have questions about your financial aid.
- Update your required immunizations shots.
- Register for college classes.
- Attend College Orientations.
- Attend class every day: your freshman year is the most important year of college!
- Keep a high GPA throughout college to continue to qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and to get into graduate school, law school, or medical school. Employers look at your GPA too!
- Continue to look for scholarships throughout your time in college.
- Apply for Financial Aid every year (opens October 1st every year) FAFSA
- Stay involved while you are in college. Look for internships and opportunities inside and outside of the classroom.
- Remember, employers look for well-rounded employees.
College Resources
Michelle Rodriguez
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