August

• Attend Locker Day to pick up your class schedule and to get your new locker information
• Initial Advanced Placement payments (25%) are due to the Guidance Office during the first week of classes.  Please make checks payable to the Lake Placid Central School District.
• Begin work on the Common Application and/or SUNY App if your prospective college(s) use this form in their admissions process.
• Begin to finalize your ‘target list’ of colleges to apply to.  Goal:  At least 5 schools of interest before school starts!

September

• Request any course or schedule changes no later than the second Friday of school.
• On track to graduate?  Make sure to secure any remaining required courses needed for graduation.
• Admissions Tests:  Register for the October/November SAT and/or ACT.   If you are not happy with your test scores so far, then don’t miss this opportunity to try and improve your scores.
• How is your ‘target list’ of schools?  Make sure you have all applications required for college admission and financial aid. Write, phone, or use the Internet to request missing information.
• Know your deadlines:  Check on application and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you plan to apply. They may vary and it is essential to meet all deadlines!
• Individual Senior Meetings:  Meet with your guidance counselor to be sure your list includes colleges appropriate to your academic and personal record. Review your transcript, co-curricular records and progress toward graduation.
• Recommendations:  At least three weeks before the due date, ask your counselor and teachers, employers, or coaches to write letters of recommendation. Provide recommendation forms, any special instructions and a stamped, addressed business envelope to the people writing your recommendation. Remember to write thank you notes!
• Road Trip:  Plan any remaining visits to colleges.  Is there an open house you could attend?  Even if you can’t travel until December, reserve your interview slot now to ensure you get the dates you want.
• Complete NCAA form if planning to play intercollegiate Div. I or II athletics  www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
• Planning for College 101 Workshop:  Need a jump start to your college application process?  Then don’t miss this session, especially recommended for seniors/families

October

• Essays:  Begin your college essays now.  Remember ~ many colleges have their own essay questions so it is very likely you will have to write multiple essays.  Check the Common Application Supplements or individual college admissions offices for more information.  (And remember to save these for future use with scholarship applications!)
• College Nights:  Attend the regional college fair at Clinton Community College or at SUNY Adirondack.  Meet with representatives from colleges you are interested in or to meet new prospective schools.  (Typically the first week of October.)
• College visits at LP:  Meet with college representatives who visit Lake Placid.  This is an excellent time to ask remaining questions in person.
• Early Applications:  If applying for early decision or early action, send in your application now.  These deadlines begin as early as November 1 and everything must be submitted at that time.
• Testing Continues:  Register for the December/January SAT Reasoning Test and/or SAT Subject Tests, or December ACT if you have not completed the required tests or if you are not happy with your previous test scores and think you can do better.
• Score Reports:  Have official test scores sent by the testing agency to colleges on your list.  (Fee required)
• Parent to Parent Panel:  Get advice from parents who have already been through the college application process.

November

• Testing?  If needed, take the SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests if appropriate. Don't forget to have test scores sent to colleges on your list.
• Be sure your first quarter grades are good as these will be included on transcripts.
• Continue completing applications to colleges. Make copies of all applications before mailing the applications.
• Need aid?  Check to see if the colleges to which you are applying require any other financial aid form. Register for the CSS Profile if required and obtain the college's own financial aid forms.
• Keep all records, test score reports and copies of applications for admission and financial aid for yourself. Having detailed records will save you time and effort should anything be lost or should you decide to apply in the future to other colleges and scholarship programs.
• Resume?  If you don’t have a resume yet, now is a great time to start one as this is often needed to submit with scholarship applications.

December

• Score reports:  Have official test scores sent to colleges on your list if you have not done so.
• Review your Target List:  Consult your school counselor again to review your final list of colleges.
• If you applied for early decision, you should have an answer by now. If you are accepted, follow the instructions for admitted students. If the decision is deferred until spring or you are denied, submit applications now to other colleges.
• PIN Number:  If you will be pursuing financial aid (including loans), both you (the student) AND your parents need a federal PIN number to complete important processes including the FAFSA form.  Apply now for your PIN number to ensure you receive it before you need it.
• Financial Aid Workshop:  Join us for this informative session on the financial aid process.  
• Search for national-level scholarships:  Many national organizations offer scholarships that are not coordinated by the Guidance office.  Use the internet to explore options in the arts, athletics, community service and more.
• Request transcripts early for late December or early January application deadlines.  Remember, the Guidance Office is also closed during Winter Recess.  
• Don’t miss the Young Alumni Panel on.  Hear from recent LPHS graduates about transitions into life after high school.

January

• Keep working in your classes! Grades and courses continue to count throughout the senior year and class rank will be updated at the end of the first semester.
• Continue submitting applications (and requesting transcripts or recommendations) as needed.
• Parents and students, complete your income tax forms as soon as possible. You will need those figures to fill out the FAFSA. Complete and return your FAFSA as quickly as possible after January 1.
• Also make sure you have all the financial aid forms each of your prospective schools requires.
• Monitor your applications:  Did the admissions office receive everything they need?  How do you know?

February

• You should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks after submitting the FAFSA. Review the SAR carefully and check for any inaccuracies. If necessary, correct any items on the SAR immediately.  Still waiting for your SAR?  Definitely check on the status.
• Local Scholarship Workshop:  Don’t miss this chance to learn about local and regional scholarships awarded at Senior Scholarship night.  
• Complete scholarship applications. You may be eligible for more scholarships than you think, so apply for as many as you can.
• Target list:  Now that your mid-year grades have passed, are there any additional schools you want to apply to?

March

• Decisions start arriving.  Do you have your ‘first choice’ school in mind?  If not, take time to think seriously about your preferred school for next year.
• Stay focused and keep studying-only a couple more months to go!
• Apply for local scholarships.  Each award has different application requirements and check often with Guidance about new opportunities
• Summer job options:  Now is not too early to begin seeking summer employment.
• Enjoy your final year in high school, but don't catch senioritis!

April

• Review your college acceptances and financial aid awards. Be sure to compare financial aid packages in your decision-making process.
• If you are positive you will not enroll at one or more of the colleges which accepted you, please notify those colleges that you have selected another college.
• If you know which college you will attend, send your tuition deposit and follow all other instructions for admitted students. You must decide which offer of admission to accept by May 1 (postmark date).
• Continue applying for local scholarships.

May

• Decision Day is May 1:  decide on the one college that you will attend.
• Notify the Guidance Office of your chosen school.
• By May 1, send in your tuition deposit to the college you will attend.
• Notify the other colleges that accepted you that you have selected another college.
• BE PROUD-you have completed a difficult task.
• If your first-choice college places you on their waiting list, do not lose all hope. Some students are admitted off the waiting list. Talk with your counselor, and contact the college to let them know you are still very interested. Keep the college updated on your activities.
• Take Advanced Placement examinations, if appropriate and request that your AP scores be sent to the college you will attend.

June

• Request that your counselor send your final transcript to the college you will attend. Notify the college of any private scholarships or grants you will be receiving.
• Know when the payment for tuition, room and board, meal plans, etc., is due. If necessary, ask the financial aid office about a possible payment plan that will allow for you to pay in installments.
• Attend Senior Scholarship Night as this is where local scholarships are announced.
• Congratulations, you've made it through high school! Enjoy your graduation and look forward to college.

July

• Look for information in the mail from the college about housing, roommate(s), orientation, course selection, etc. Respond promptly to all requests from the college. August-September
• Ease the transition into college. Accept the fact that you'll be in charge of your academic and personal life. What you do, when you do it and how things get done will be up to you. You'll have new responsibilities and challenges. Think about budgeting your time and establishing priorities. Take charge of the changes that lie ahead and eliminate or minimize pressures. Go forth with confidence and enthusiasm, willingness to adapt and determination to succeed academically and personally.
• Pack for college. Don't forget to include things that remind you of friends and family. Be prepared for the new opportunities and challenges. Have a great freshman year!