What to Do Before and After Graduation
It’s time! Graduation is
coming up, and college is
right around the corner.
There are a lot of firsts and
lasts coming your way. Do
you feel prepared? Does the
thought of all those decisions
and deadlines make your
head spin a little? Don’t
panic! We’ll tell you every-
thing you need to know:
WINTER
inish working on
F
applications for schools
and scholarships. As
tempting as it may be to
procrastinate—write those
application essays and request
recommendation letters.
inalize your housing
F
choices at the schools
you applied to. Schools with
limited space fill up quickly,
so make sure your deposit and
application have been received.
If you are renting off-campus,
get that roommate lined up and
secure a lease.
void catching Senioritis!
A
Colleges can and will revoke
your acceptance and/or schol-
arship offers if your grades fall,
so stay focused.
eep applying to schools
K
and for scholarships
thoughout the season!
Sign up for your college
orientation session to
avoid conflicts with trips or
summer jobs.
24
| Spring 2020
SPRING
Keep the month of April
free. That’s when many schools
host admitted student programs.
Visit or revisit a few campuses
as time and money allow to help
make that decision in May easier.
Study up and take your AP
Exams—get some college
credits!
Check the medical
requirements for the schools
you’re applying to and get the
required vaccinations.
Check your email regularly.
Colleges and universities typically
contact the applicant by email.
They could be contacted for an
error that needs to be corrected in
a timely manner.
Be sure all financial aid
application materials
have been submitted. Some
Schools may require more than
just the FAFSA. Priority financial
aid deadlines may have passed,
but it is still worth applying to be
considered for both need-based
aid from the government and/or
merit aid from the school.
Sign up for graduation
registries. Register for dorm
decor, necessities, school supplies,
and more.
May 1st is Decision Day! If
you haven’t picked a school yet,
today is your deadline to pay your
deposit.
Take time to enjoy the final
stretch. Graduation will be here
before you know it.
www.potentialmagazine.com
E A R LY S U M M E R
Make a packing list—check
out our website for helpful check-
lists!
You made it! Send your final
transcript to the school you’ve
chosen.
M
ake sure to keep copies of
Go to the college orientation
everything—college applica-
tions, financial aid papers, and
essays. You never know when you
may be asked to resend docu-
ments, so have them ready!
Go through the checklist
for adulthood on our web-
site—make sure you are ready
for any issues.
Give some extra love to
your parents—they will miss
you!
When To Expect a Response:
• For early decision applications, it’s
usually around mid-December.
• For rolling admissions, letters are
typically sent out 6-8 weeks after
applying.
• Regular admissions deadlines are
around the first of the year, and sent
out March through April.
P.S. Send thank-you
notes to teachers,
coaches, and/or
mentors who provide
recommendation letters!