Senior Year

Congratulations, you've finally made it to your senior year!  This year, you'll experience a wide array of mixed emotions. While this is an exciting time, it can also be stressful. The key is purposeful planning and keeping up with deadlines. If you have any questions, your school counselor is available to help.

Here is a Senior Tips sheet with information you will need to know this school year.

Information regarding Applying to College, Sending Transcripts, or Financing your Education (including how to complete the FAFSA)
Applying to College
Sending Transcripts / Authorization for Release of Records
Financing your Education

Specific Information for Seniors
You will receive important updates and senior specific reminders throughout the year. You don't want to miss out!
Check out the links below for other important senior information.

Transcripts for Seniors
For all North Carolina Colleges and Universities:
Use CFNC (cfnc.org) - send as many transcripts electronically as you want for free.

For Colleges/Universities that utilize Common App or SendEdu:
Your counselor will upload your transcript electronically and send it as part of your application package. There is no charge for transcripts requested this way.

For an out of state College/University that does not use Common App or SendEdu:
The transcripts need to be requested from the front office of Student Services. The students will need to have a parent sign the Authorization for Release of Records if the student is under 18. If they are 18, they can sign the form themselves. The first 3 transcripts are free, after that they are $5.00 each, including requests made by coaches and unofficial copies. (You can request an unofficial copy and make as many copies you need). No transcripts will be sent until the Authorization for Release of Records is signed and fees are paid if more than 3 free have already been sent.

Scholarship Information
When looking through scholarship databases, it is a good idea to have both parents and students working together. Click HERE for the most current scholarship opportunities.  

Senior Year Planning Calendar
Can be used in conjunction with the Postsecondary Planning Guide

​Summer
  • Prioritize college choices
  • Determine deadlines for colleges and scholarships
  • Continue to visit colleges
  • Create/update your resume
  • Register for the SAT/ACT if needed
  • Be aware of timeline for competitive scholarships
  • Make sure senior course selections meet college expectations
  • Complete the "Student Brag Sheet" if you need a recommendation from your school counselor for college admission or a scholarship. 
  • Athletes, check NCAA requirements
Early Fall 
  • Meet with your school counselor to explore options
  • Attend college fairs and meet with admissions officers
  • Complete the financial aid process and the FAFSA. The FAFSA is available in October for the upcoming academic year
  • Use CFNC to apply to North Carolina colleges and send transcripts
  • Use the Common App to apply to colleges outside of North Carolina 
  • Begin applying to colleges by completing applications and essays
  • Review AHS's transcript procedures
  • Request and collect recommendations
  • Begin applying for scholarships
  • Meet Early Decision deadlines, if applicable
  • Make good grades
​Midyear
  • Verify that your application process is complete
  • Continue applying for scholarships
  • Request midyear transcripts as needed
Spring
  • Make your final college decision
  • Continue to work hard. Despite admittance to college, your grades still count, and colleges can revoke your admission!
  • Continue applying for scholarships
  • Communicate with your college to begin enrollment
  • Take AP/SAT Subject Tests as needed
  • Request final transcript (automatically sent by CFNC)
  • Complete NCAA requirements (athletes)
​
Senior Year Tips

Students
  • Begin planning early
  • Use resources available to you in Student Services and on the Internet
  • Make or save copies of all applications as you submit them
  • Be aware of your own strengths, weaknesses, and grades
  • Fill out the "Student Brag Sheet" if you need a recommendation from your school counselor for college admission or a scholarship
  • Ask teachers and other recommenders for letters and give them time to write a quality letter (at least 2 weeks)
  • Talk with your parents about their expectations, your desires, and financial considerations
  • Meet deadlines set by colleges, Student Services, self, and parents
  • Develop a student resume and keep it updated
  • Schedule a time to meet with your counselor to explore options
  • Fill out your own applications (including SAT & ACT) and write your own essays
  • Take the initiative on your college/career search.  Remember, this is YOUR life
  • Keep your school counselor and parents informed as to acceptances, scholarships, etc.
  • Allow time for transcripts and recommendations to be mailed out (at least 2 weeks)
  • Be patient with your friends, parents, and counselors—this is a busy time for everyone
  • Athletes (Division I and II), register with the NCAA Eligibility Center

​Parents
  • Help your student clarify realistic goals
  • Discuss future plans, especially the financial picture and any restrictions with your student, early in the selection process
  • Encourage your student to complete his/her own applications
  • Remember that this is your student’s future; allow your student to make his/her own choices
  • Along with your student, meet with your student’s school counselor and attend any parent programs in order to stay informed
  • Be patient with your student and the school—it is a busy time for everyone
  • Meet deadlines!
  • Keep records of everything: phone calls, names, meetings, etc.
  • Plan college visits with your student; incorporate them into family vacations