12th grade
This is your last year! It is very exciting and goes by quickly...college applications and all of the senior festivities from Prom to Grad Bash and finally, Graduation. Finish your high school career in style by setting yourself up for the next chapter of your life. Finish strong!
Overall items you should be concerned with during your senior year. Please refer to the drop down menu for specific items.
If you have been following the recommendation of College Map Mentor and have been utilizing some sort of dedicated planner/notebook/calendar (paper) to help with your time management/organization, this year will be a lot easier. If you are just starting with us, please acquire something to help keep you organized.
Maintain your GPA and get help if you are struggling in any core classes. Yes, colleges may rescind offers if your grades drop.
Attending a college fair if you have not already attended one.
Attending one or more virtual or in person college tour.
IMPORTANT TIPS:
Use the College Map Mentor's Academic Organizer to keep track of your classes, grades, awards, certifications, accolades, community service, clubs, sports, work, etc. Collect all of the information you need to complete your applications in one place.
Check your school email daily. If you cannot check it daily, please check it weekly.
Do NOT send emails from your school email to any company or person outside of Palm Beach County Schools....you will NOT receive a reply as the emails will bounce.
Use the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) website to take practice exams for B.E.S.T., EOC's, FAST, and Florida Civic Literacy Exam.
FALL
Time to start applying to colleges. Common app opens August 1. Have your applications in no later than Nov 1. Make sure your Common App has been reviewed before submitting.
Have your college essays reviewed prior to submitting
Register to take or retake college entrance exams (SAT/ACT).
Ask teachers or counselors for letters of recommendation
Apply for the Bright Futures Scholarship (Oct 1)
Continue commitment with club/team
Complete your FAFSA (Opens Oct 1)
Complete the CSS Profile, if required.
Perform community service
Apply for scholarships
Continue engaging in the tasks for the College Board Opportunity Scholarship
Finalize your resume for college applications and scholarships
Attend college fairs
Visit (in-person or virtual) colleges you are most interested in and narrow choices to 6 colleges.
SPRING
Get involved with senior events!
Update your College Map Mentor's Academic Organizer with your 1st semester grades, community service, team/club involvement.
Send mid-year transcripts - some colleges require an update
Update your Raise.me account by keeping track of your accomplishments
Update your high school resume
Keep up grades! These will be important for all college acceptances.
Take any outstanding BESTs, FASTs and EOCs
Visit school(s) on your final college list before accepting
Make your decision for which college you want to attend no later than May 1
Send deposit to college of choice
Send decline/regret emails to colleges you will not be attending before May 1
Refer to the Accepted to College checklist and complete. Watch deadlines!
Graduate!!
SUMMER
Get ready for your next step, whether it is college, tech school, gap year, military, or job.
Check the Accepted to College page for more details.
Wishing you the best of luck for the next chapter of your life!