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How Seniors Can Stay on Track to College
How seniors can stay on track to college. Cartoon image of a male student working on his laptop.

The fall semester is a busy time of year for high school seniors. The college planning process can feel overwhelming, with applications, financial aid, and other important decisions. However, this blog can be a helpful guide to staying organized and on track to college. 

Apply to Colleges

First semester is the best time to complete your college applications and get them submitted. Many colleges have early application deadlines, so check for each college you’re interested in. Double-check the admissions requirements for each college and submit the correct documentation. 

Also, keep track of scholarship deadlines. To learn more about college-specific scholarships, check with your school counselor or the college website.

Keeping a calendar or checklist of these deadlines can help you stay organized and avoid missing important steps.

Complete Your FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical part of receiving financial aid offers. Send your applications to all the colleges you applied to. The sooner you file your FAFSA, the sooner it can be processed. Check out this blog to learn how to prepare for the FAFSA.

The college may want to verify the information on your FAFSA, so pay attention to student portal accounts and emails to see if you need to supply additional documentation.

Explore Scholarships

Check-in with your school counselor for local scholarships and explore online scholarship databases like ScholarshipQuest to help you find scholarships you’re eligible to receive. Apply for as many as you can—every bit helps!

Stay on Top of Senior Year Academics

Even though it is senior year, your grades still matter. Keep up with your coursework and finish your senior year strong. Colleges will look at your senior-year grades when making their final admission decisions. Plus, ending your senior year with a strong GPA can be motivating when starting college.

Reach Out for Support When Needed

Applying to college can feel like a lot of work, but remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to your school counselor, and family and friends who can provide support, advice, and encouragement.

If you need additional support, contact your nearest EducationQuest office for free help completing the FAFSA and with college planning.

Focus on Your Well-Being

With all the college prep and applications, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Senior year can be stressful, so make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, like exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family. Make sure you take time to enjoy your senior year!

By Alex Jurgens

Assisted by AI

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