The Final Few Months to Graduation (Senior Checklist)

Your high school experience is nearly over, and you’re going to start college in the Fall – congratulations on all of your amazing achievements! But don’t stop thinking about your education even though you’ve completed your college applications and may have even heard back from a few schools. Follow our senior checklist of all the things you’ll want to tackle in the next five to six months through graduation.

A piece of paper that says "checklist" with lines underneath and a pen sitting on top.

Keep Senioritis at Bay

Senioritis is REAL! You’ve done all the hard work – applied to colleges, worked hard in school. But now you may feel a lack of motivation when it comes to schoolwork and responsibilities. After all, your college applications are submitted, you’ve done the best you can do, right?

Wrong. Colleges do look at your final senior semester! And, if you do poorly enough, some may revoke their acceptance letters. If you fail your classes, you could even fail your entire senior year and delay graduation. Giving into senioritis can also set you up with some bad habits just before you get into college.

Need to some ideas to keep you going? “How to Beat High School Senioritis” has some great tips!

Choose a College

Of course, you’ll also have to choose where you want to go to school. If you applied under Early Decision, you’ve already made that choice so you don’t have to worry about this one. If you applied under Early Action or Regular Decision, though, you have until May 1st to notify your colleges.

As your acceptance letters start coming in, you should be heavily weighing your options. Compare the schools again, visit the college campuses, check out what alumni are saying (especially about recently implemented remote learning options), and think very carefully about what school would work best for you. You may discover that the college you choose in the end wasn’t your original choice.

Start Planning for College

 Use these final months leading up to graduation (and the summer) to start planning for college! That means:

  • Completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Applying for scholarships. Use our scholarship search tool if you need help.
  • Scheduling your college orientation.
  • Making lists for supplies, both for your classes and dorm room.
  • Considering work study if eligible.
  • Thinking about classes you want to take.
  • Thinking about how you want to decorate your dorm room.

Celebrate

And, finally, take some time to celebrate your achievements. You’re graduating high school after all, and it’s a big cause of celebration for anyone. Plan a party, head out with friends, or spend some time with family members. It could be as simple as going out to eat one evening. Whatever it is though, be sure you’re giving yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.

 

 

Lender Rates (APR) Eligibility
Citizens logo.
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT CITIZENS
Sallie Mae logo.
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT SALLIE MAE
Credibe company logo.
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT CREDIBLE
Lendkey company logo.
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT LENDKEY
Ascent company logo.
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT ASCENT
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT ISL
Earnest company logo.
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT EARNEST
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT ELFI
College Raptor is not a loan lender and does not assume responsibility for suggesting a loan to a user who may not be eligible for it. Rates, terms, conditions, eligibility, approval, and other considerations are the decisions of the lenders and may vary depending on which lender or marketplace the user selects. We urge users to carefully consider and review all loan options and terms before committing to taking out a loan.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.