A Checklist for Graduating Seniors

A Checklist for Graduating Seniors

To help you navigate the last few months of senior year, the team of admissions consultants at Signet have pulled together a handy checklist of things students and families should do as they begin the college transition.

You can find a slightly more in-depth version of this checklist as a PDF here. And remember that this is an overview; specific dates and deadlines vary by school.

Before Graduation

Choosing Your College (April)

    • Make a pro/con list for each school you are seriously considering. This should include comparing financial aid and cost; appeal financial aid, if necessary.
    • Compare dates for admitted students weekends; confirm the one(s) you can attend and make travel arrangements. If you can’t visit, still try to get in touch with students at each school you are seriously considering.
    • Have open and honest conversations with your family, mentors, and fellow students about your decision.
    • Decide before April 30!

Securing Your Place (May 1)

    • Formally accept enrollment by May 1; make enrollment and housing deposit.
    • Decline offers from other universities through their websites or by contacting the admissions office.
    • Join the online community (Facebook, etc.) of your new school!

Financial Aid (May/June)

    • Accept/decline offers within your Financial Aid Package and contact the financial aid office to see what other services you may be eligible for.
    • If necessary, report outside scholarships to your university and complete Loan Entrance Counseling; sign Master Promissory Note.

Finishing High School (May/June)

    • Report your acceptances to your counselor and faculty mentors; send thank-you letters to everyone who wrote you letters of recommendation and/or strongly impacted your education.
    • Clear all holds from high school: library books, dues, equipment, etc..
    • Prepare to transition to a college email account,
    • Order three official, sealed copies of your high school transcript.

After Graduation

Registration

    • Create university login for student portal (keep access info secure!) and get your student ID number and/or card.
    • Sign up for orientation and any placement tests you need to take.
    • Make sure university received your transcript; send transcripts of dual enrollment credits to registrar; send AP/IB scores (in July).
    • Obtain and read the student handbook/course catalog.
    • Meet with an academic advisor and start looking at a four-year plan.

Health Services

    • Enroll in Student Health Insurance OR waive it and provide proof of other insurance.
    • Send vaccination records to university; transfer any prescriptions to a pharmacy in the new location.
    • Find new health specialists as necessary; contact student health to make sure any special services/accessibility needs are in place.

Housing

    • Fill out housing paperwork.
    • Register for meal plan; communicate any dietary needs to dining services.
    • Contact your new roommates!

For International Students

    • Communicate with university’s international office/coordinator.
    • Submit all necessary visa paperwork ASAP to be sure you secure your visa in time.

Miscellaneous/Life Skills

    • Make sure you have all your identification info in a secure place (insurance, passport, etc.).
    • Open a bank account in your new location.
    • Work on life skills like budgeting, laundry, and organization/time management.
    • Plan and shop for the new climate, as well as making sure you have appropriate electronic equipment.

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Jay B.

Jay B.

Jay Bacrania is the CEO of Signet Education. As a high schooler, Jay won awards for chemistry at the state level in his home state of Florida, and at Harvard, he initially studied physics. After graduating, Jay spent two years studying jazz trumpet at the Berklee College of Music.

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