AUGUST

• Think about what you want to do after graduation. Do you plan to get a full-time job, join the military, or enter an educational program at a technical school, two or four-year college? If further education is one of your options, consider which type of college or technical school is right for you (two or four-year, large or small, public or private, near home or far away).
• Visit schools and narrow down your choices. Visit schools’ websites for information on course catalogs, admission applications, housing, and financial aid.
• If your ACT and/or SAT scores need improving, register to take the exam again. If you have not taken any admissions tests, register online now!

SEPTEMBER

• Make a list of five to ten schools you like the most.
• Take a college tour. You have two days allotted during your senior year for college visits.
• Revise and update your school list based on visits.
• Complete applications well before stated deadlines. Be sure to complete a written request (in the counseling office) for an official transcript to be sent to each school where you apply.
• Many schools have limited housing so apply early. Each school has its own application.
• Keep copies of all forms you send.
• Start contacting people to write letters of recommendation. Be sure to contact anyone writing a recommendation letter at least two weeks prior to the date the letter is needed. Allow a few extra days for mailing.
• Read the GHS counselor webpage for information concerning college visit days, career information and scholarships.
• Get information on scholarship requirements for the schools that interest you.
• Begin working on your resume.
• Research careers and determine what type of training or education you need to qualify for careers that interest you.
• Talk with recruiters from all branches of the military so you can compare the programs they offer. If you are interested in an ROTC scholarship, get the application and begin working on it.

OCTOBER

• As early as October 1, complete and submit the FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov. You will use your parents’ 2016 tax information to apply for any state and federal grants or supplemental loans.
• Complete the request for your FSA ID in order to electronically sign your FAFSA.
• Set up campus visits at the top three or four schools of your choice. Be sure to meet with departmental advisors, students, and financial aid officers and complete interviews.
• Continue to complete applications. Don’t forget to request a transcript!
• Watch the GHS counselor web site for available scholarships.
• Complete any additional scholarship requirements necessary for each particular school or organization.
• ROTC scholarship forms must be filled out and the required recommendation forms must be distributed to the appropriate people.
• Narrow down the type of job you are interested in and continue to work on your resume.

NOVEMBER

• Complete your admission testing (SAT/ACT) and college applications. Be sure that all necessary documents have been received by the school’s admissions office prior to the stated deadline. Allow time for mailing!
• Continue to obtain, complete and send scholarship applications.
• Now that you have met with the military recruiters and compared their programs, choose which one or two best fit your needs. See these recruiters again and get very specific when asking them questions.
• Complete and submit your ROTC scholarship application(s).
• Watch out for admissions and scholarship deadlines! Some are as early as December 1st.

DECEMBER

• Check on the status of your application for admission.
• Keep in touch with your military recruiter.

JANUARY

• Continue the scholarship application process. Be sure you meet all deadlines.

FEBRUARY

• Request seven semester transcripts to be sent to the schools to which you have applied.
• If you are enrolled in AP classes, register for your AP exams.
• Check with your school counselor about local scholarships. These will be listed in a special section on the GHS counselor web site. The local scholarships offered vary widely. Not all are based on financial need or academic excellence. There are several for students planning to attend a technical school and many are available to students entering a two-year school.

MARCH

• Review acceptance letters and financial award packages. Make your final decision on the school you want to attend and submit your deposit.
• Notify other schools that you will not attend.
• Complete local scholarship applications and return to the counseling office before the stated deadline.
• Keep in touch with military representatives concerning the status of your ROTC application.
• Keep working in all your classes. Slacking off could keep you from graduating! Pay close attention to your attendance as well.

APRIL

• Watch for replies regarding scholarships, awards, and other sources of financial aid for which you have applied.
• If you have not already done so, reply to the school you have decided to attend. Let the other institutions that have accepted you know that you will not be attending.
• Be sure you are keeping your grades up and watching your attendance.

MAY

• Write thank you notes for scholarships and awards received.
• Be sure to provide your scholarship donor(s) with your contact information and the name and address of the school you will attend.
• Stay current on all graduation information and procedures.
• Apply for that full-time job or a summer job if you need only temporary employment.
• Complete a request for your final transcript to be sent to the school you will be attending.
• Keep working in your classes until the last test is completed.
• HAPPY GRADUATION!