Fall (August – November)

• Confirm “reach,” “target,” and “safety” schools
• Review and note specific application requirements, like interviews or portfolios
• Revise personal statement and any supplemental essays
• Retake SAT/ACT, if needed
• Submit applications for Early Action or Early Decision
• Submit Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)
• Complete and Submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible
• Continue researching and applying for scholarships
• Request transcripts and test scores

Winter (December – February)

• Regularly check college application portals
• Begin networking for jobs and internships — reach out to businesses
• and tradespeople in relevant fields and positions
• Attend job fairs
• Submit regular decision applications
• Ensure registrar sends mid-year grade reports, if required
• Continue searching and applying for scholarships

Spring (March – May)

• Compare acceptance letters and financial aid packages
• By the National Candidate’s Reply Date (typically May 1st), inform your chosen college of acceptance and decline other offers
• Attend job fairs
• Pay enrollment deposits and complete housing, orientation and course registration paperwork
• Prepare for and take AP, IB or AICE exams
• Prepare for and pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE)
• Apply and interview for jobs, internships, or apprenticeships
• Finish strong! "Senioritis" is real, and colleges can rescind acceptance offers
• Ensure your high school sends official transcript to chosen college
• Verify eligibility for Bright Futures

Note from Jamal – The best advice I’ve received so far is to stay organized. My friend Priya is the most detail-oriented person I know, and I was blown away by her dedicated notebook, checklists and spreadsheets. She told me to start by writing a giant list of everything I needed to do, then divide it up by junior vs. senior year and then by category. Here’s what I came up with. Feel free to steal it!