Fall semester of senior year is crucial for college-bound students. They should take a rigorous course load and prepare for standardized tests. Students should visit colleges, develop a list of potential schools, and gather letters of recommendation. Application deadlines vary, so students must check individual deadlines which are typically in early fall. Winter focuses on applying for financial aid. Students and families should attend workshops to complete financial aid forms which are available after January 1st. Scholarship opportunities should also be researched. Spring is the time for continuing financial aid searches and learning admission decisions. Students must notify the college they plan to attend and withdraw from other waitlists by specified deadlines. Graduation marks the end of the high school career

1. TIMELINE FOR THE COLLEGE BOUND
Twelfth Grade
Fall
1. Schedule the most academically rigorous program that you can handle
for your senior year. Your senior year is just as important as your
previous years. Continued success in a rigorously academic program is
necessary for colleges to make a final admissions decision about a student.
2. Attend college meetings with college admissions representatives that are
of interest to you.
3. Try to visit some college campuses while they are in session. This will
help you get a better "feel" for the school.
4. Prepare for, register, and take the SAT's in November and the ACT's or
SAT II as needed.
5. If any SAT-II tests are required at the schools you are interested in,
register for those tests.
6. Develop your final list of schools.
7. Gather letters of recommendation, if required, and complete the essays
required with your applications.
8. Application deadlines carry from college to college. Check with the
college you are interested in to be sure. As a guideline, the following
applies: Early decision candidates must submit before November 1.
9. All males turning 18 years old must register with the Selective Service at
www.sss.gov.
Winter
10. File a Financial Aid Application (available in the guidance office after
January 1).
11. You and/or your parents should attend a financial aid workshop
offered by the guidance office to assist you in completing the Financial Aid
forms (held in January).
12. Search out other sources of financial aid.
13. Check the guidance list of scholarships in homeroom or see your
counselor. The guidance office has books and computer searches available
for locating financial aid, as well.
14. Consider going to the college of your choice for an interview with the
admissions officer.

2. Spring
15. Continue to search for and apply for other sources of financial aid, (i.e.,
aid available from your parent's employer or from service clubs of which
they are members).
16. By mid-April, most colleges will have sent acceptance or rejection
letters.
17. Take Advanced Placement tests, if applicable.
18. As soon as you have decided which college's offer of admission to
accept, let that college know.
19. Advise the other colleges that accepted you of your decision.
20. If you are wait-listed at a college you are eager to attend, call or write
the director of admissions and ask how to strengthen your application.
(See your counselor for advice).
21. Be sure to send your acceptance deposit by the deadline specified.
22. Notify your counselor which college you have selected so that
Woodbridge can submit final grades, class rank and proof of graduation to
that institution.
23. Lastly, enjoy your graduation and good luck in all your future
endeavors. The Woodbridge High School guidance offices are always open
to you!