SENIOR PLANNING CALENDAR

   SEPTEMBER  

• Your schedule should include courses that challenge academically. Your course selection should include rigorous and interesting electives as well as the required classes.
• Reevaluate your high school progress. Make the changes necessary to improve your academic and activity record.
• Join fall school activities, including student government, athletic teams, clubs, plays and service organizations. Take leadership positions when possible.
• Read your "Student Agenda" and share it with your parents so they will understand your school responsibilities. Review graduation requirements, honor roll requirements, attendance policy, discipline code, athletic eligibility, available clubs and organizations, etc.
• Use the planner in your "Student Agenda" daily to organize your homework and activities.
• Make an appointment with your counselor. Request a copy of your transcript and review it carefully with your counselor to verify its accuracy and to be certain that you will meet all graduation requirements.
• If planning fro college register for a fall SAT examination. See your counselor for a registration booklet and a list of SAT test dates. Prepare for the SATs by using their study guides and taking their practice tests. Review which of your potential colleges require the SAT IIs. SAT preparation CDs by Princeton Review, Kaplan and other test prep companies cost under $30.00 and may be helpful. They can be purchased in most large computer, office supply or book stores.
• Visit the DCHS Financial Aid Web Page to gain a better understanding of possible financial aid assistance. Register for potential scholarship information on financial aid Web pages (Fastweb, Finaid, etc.).
• Develop a schedule for submitting college applications with the help of your school counselor.
• Consider which teachers you will be requesting letters from and discuss this with them.
• Continue to develop your college essays. You should be fine tuning your draft copy for review by your English teacher.

OCTOBER

• Volunteer for school and community activities.
• Encourage your parents to attend your school's Open House to meet your teachers and school counselor.
• Visit local college and post-secondary school and career fairs in October.
• Explore potential careers through reading, searches, interest inventories and course selection. Continue to explore the Career, College, Milatary  and Financial Aid Web Sites carefully.
• Plan college visits and interviews. Develop a list of open houses and college tours.
• Request applications and viewbooks from potential schools. Begin to finalize your application list. Review carefully your potential college application deadlines and Early Decision and Early Action dates.
• Borrow some college or technical school videos from the School Counseling Office to gain additional information about potential schools.
• Attend college and technical school visits in your
School Counseling Office.
• Review your Progress Report for the first marking period and see your counselor if you are having difficulty.
• Continue to study for the SATs. SAT scores will improve with practice. See your counselor of practice test booklets.
• Request letters of recommendation from two teachers if you have not already done so. Be sure to give the teachers a copy of your "brag sheet" and "Senior Questionaire Form" to help them with the letter.
• Review all Scholarship Updates produced by the Guidance Office carefully for financial aid and open houses. Continue this practice throughout your senior year.



NOVEMBER

• Read books, newspapers and magazines in addition to assigned homework.
• Plan a visit to the NACAC National College Fair to continue your college exploration.
• Review your report card. See your counselor if you need suggestions, tutoring, etc.
• Visit colleges, technical schools or career schools on November 9 & 10 during the NJEA convention. Call ahead and make appointments for tours and interviews.
• Review your report card. See your counselor if you need suggestions, tutoring, etc.
• Discuss your career and/or college plans with your counselor and explore the DCHS College and Career Web site to help with your planning. Visit college and technical school home pages. Use the college and career planning books in the School Counseling Office and Library for additional information.
• Continue to develop your college/tech school/career school file.
• Continue to study for the SATs.
• Remind your teachers that you need a letter of recommendation if you have not yet received one. Thank the teachers who have written one for you by writing them a short "thank you" note.
• Check which schools require the CSS/Profile financial aid application. Forms are available in your School Counseling Office.
• Submit any Early Decision applications.
• Do not ease up now. Colleges want a strong mid-year transcript report.



DECEMBER

• Your parents should be prepared to file your FAFSA in January.
• Join winter school activities, including athletic teams, clubs and service organizations. Take leadership positions when possible.
• Review your Progress Report for the second marking period and see your counselor if you are having difficulty.
• Submit "January 1" deadline college applications early in the month.
• Visit colleges.


JANUARY

• Rededicate yourself after the winter vacation to achieve better grades. Evaluate your study habits and organization, making changes where necessary.
• Continue to review your school's Guidance Newsletters for possible scholarships.
• Continue to read as much as possible.
• File your FAFSA forms for financial aid.
• Prepare thoroughly for your mid-term examinations.
• Request mid-year transcripts for all schools that require one. Give your counselor an addressed, stamped envelope for each school. Review the transcript before it is sent to be certain it is accurate.
• Send applications to your selected schools. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped post card with each application so you will be notified as each school receives your application.
• Visit colleges that you have not yet visited or that need a second look. Be certain to check out overnight visits and class visits for your most likely schools.

FEBRUARY

• Review your report card. See your counselor if you need suggestions, tutoring, etc.
• If you are still evaluating career options, consider registering for the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This three-hour test is helpful in self-evaluation and career guidance and does not necessarily lead to a military career.
• Follow up on those schools that have not returned your confirmation postcards by calling them. Some colleges provide the ability to check on the progress of an application on their Web site.

MARCH

• Join spring school activities, including athletic teams, clubs and service organizations. Take leadership positions when possible.
• Review your Progress Report for the third marking period and see your counselor if you are having difficulty.
• Visit local college and career school fairs if you have not finalized your school plans.
• Plan April college open house and tour visits if you need additional information before making your final decision.

APRIL

• Carefully review your School Counseling Department's Scholarship Update for local scholarships. These offer your best chance to earn local money for school.
• Review your report card. See your counselor if you need suggestions, tutoring, etc.
• Notify the college you have selected.

MAY

• Review your Progress Report for the fourth marking period and see your counselor if you are having difficulty.
• Take the Advanced Placement Exams for any AP courses you are taking.
• Notify colleges you have declined so they can offer the spot to other students.

JUNE

• Prepare thoroughly for your final examinations.
• Make plans for the summer. Think about taking a college course, attending a seminar or volunteering for a career related activity.
• Request that a final transcript be sent to your college of choice after school closes.
• Enjoy your graduation!



SUMMER

• Begin summer reading for college. See your English teacher for a list of recommended books.
• Be involved in summer activities including sports, work, hobbies and community and volunteer services.
• Save money for your college or technical or career school fund.
• Have fun.