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Learn more about what transitioning to College looks like for your high school senior.

Last Call List

For Senior Year

Here you are, 365 days out from the empty nest.

The temptation is to spend a year boring them with lasts. The last first day of high school, the last birthday at home, or the last varsity game. But I’m going resist the pull to be maudlin and instead create a Parent’s Bucket List for Senior Year in high school, perhaps better thought of as the Last Call List… everything I wish I had done before my kids went to college…”

College Countdown put together an overview for seniors’ parents on navigating their last year of high school. Click below to see our guide: Last Call List for High School Senior Year.

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Our Guide to Senior Year

Affording CollegeSenior Student
March 6, 2024

Staying Positive Amid Uncertainty: The Financial Aid Factor

Here are ten tips to keep a level head at this time of uncertainty while awaiting final admissions decisions and offers of financial aid. Be certain to file the Free…
Affording CollegeSenior Student
October 8, 2023

3 Reasons to Fill Out the FAFSA

As the name implies, the FAFSA is completely free and gives you access to federal aid to make paying for college easier. Three reasons to fill out the FAFSA: 1.…
Affording CollegeSenior Student
October 8, 2023

6 Tips for Student Loan Repayment

Even though repayment usually starts six months after graduation or you drop below half-time enrollment, you can choose to start repaying your loans while still in school to get a…

Senior Year

Timeline

Senior Year

Susan Sontag’s statement, “Do stuff. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead,” holds true for this year of the college search.

Fall

Avoid Senioritis

Register and take SAT, ACT

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Obtain FSA IDs for FAFSA

Complete FAFSA, Review SAR

Mental, Physical, Emotional Health, Disability Conversations

Write College Essays

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Discuss Finances with College FA Offices

Apply to Colleges – Common Application, Universal College Application, Coalition Application

Learn Which Colleges on Your List Require CSS Profile, FAFSA, Supplemental FA Forms

Early Decision and Early Action Applications – Oct. 1, Nov. 1

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Narrow College Choices

Submit College Applications

Ask HS Guidance Counselor About Scholarships and Complete Scholarship Applications

Plan for Summer Job, Internship

Family Discussion about Money, 529 College Savings

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Spring

Research Financial Aid Options – Loans, Grants, Scholarships, etc.

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Request Transcripts

Contact FA Office of Colleges Applied to – Make Sure They Have Everything

Decide College – National Decision Day

Complete Scholarship Applications

Financial Aid Calculator

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Review Acceptances, Financial Aid, and Scholarship Offers

Pay College Deposit

Attend Admitted Student Days

Graduation

The Parent

Advisory Council

The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of ScholarShare 529 parents with children already using their 529 savings for college. That means they know a few things about college and are eager to share perspectives and insights with you as your teenager begins their college adventure. This is a group of parents who have been there, done that. Now, they’re ready to exchange stories with you. Meet the PAC.

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An image of four individuals - A woman with long hair and blue eyes giving a soft smile, another woman with short hair smiling with teeth, a man with white hair, glasses and a big smile, and another man with dark hair and a white beard smiling with teeth.