Oceanside Collegiate Academy

AUGUST – GET ORGANIZED

College Planning

• Finalize your college list (Reach, Match, and Likely schools).
• Create your Common App account.
• Create or verify your Parchment account.
• Meet with your school counselor.
• Research admission requirements for each college.

Applications

• Begin completing college applications.
• Start your personal essay.
• Begin supplemental essays.
• Create a spreadsheet of all deadlines.

Recommendations

• Ask teachers for letters of recommendation.
• Complete your Senior Brag Sheet.
• Provide recommenders with deadlines and your résumé.

Scholarships

• Begin searching for scholarships.
• Create a scholarship deadline tracker.

Organization

• Set up a planner or digital calendar.
• Organize folders for applications, financial aid, scholarships, and transcripts.

SEPTEMBER – APPLY EARLY

College Applications

• Submit Early Action and Early Decision applications if ready.
• Continue working on Regular Decision applications.
• Review every application carefully before submitting.

Testing

• Register for the SAT or ACT if retesting.
• Send official test scores to colleges if required.

Scholarships

• Apply for local and national scholarships.
• Check scholarship websites weekly.

College Visits

• Attend college fairs.
• Visit campuses.
• Meet with admissions representatives who visit your school.

OCTOBER – FINANCIAL AID MONTH

FAFSA

• Complete the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available.
• Submit any additional financial aid documents requested by colleges.

Scholarships

• Continue applying every week.
• Watch for local scholarship opportunities.

Applications

• Finish Early Action and Early Decision applications.
• Verify that transcripts and recommendations have been received.

Career Planning

• Update your résumé.
• Research internships and apprenticeships if not attending college.

NOVEMBER – FINISH STRONG

Applications

• Submit remaining Early Action applications.
• Continue Regular Decision applications.
• Double-check all deadlines.

Financial Aid

• Monitor FAFSA status.
• Respond quickly to any requests for additional information.

Academics

• Keep grades strong.
• Avoid "senior slump."
   

DECEMBER – COMPLETE APPLICATIONS

College Applications

• Finish all Regular Decision applications before winter break whenever possible.

Scholarships

• Continue scholarship applications.

Organization

• Check every college portal for missing items.
• Make copies of everything you submit.

Gratitude

• Thank teachers and counselors who wrote recommendations.

JANUARY – MIDYEAR CHECKPOINT

College Applications

• Submit any remaining applications.

Mid-Year Reports

• Ensure your mid-year transcript is sent if required.

Scholarships

• Many major scholarship deadlines occur this month.
• Continue applying weekly.

Financial Aid

• Review financial aid requests from colleges.
   

FEBRUARY – STAY ENGAGED

Scholarships

• Continue applying for scholarships.

Academics

• Keep attendance and grades high.
• Colleges may review your final transcript.

Leadership

• Continue participating in clubs, athletics, and service.
   

MARCH – PREPARE FOR DECISIONS

Admissions

• Monitor college admission portals.
• Read emails from colleges carefully.

Financial Aid

• Compare financial aid offers as they arrive.
• Ask questions if you don't understand your award package.

APRIL – MAKE YOUR DECISION

College Decision

• Compare acceptance offers.
• Visit admitted-student events if possible.
• Discuss financial aid with your family.

Commit

• Submit your enrollment deposit by the college deadline.
• Decline offers from colleges you will not attend.

Housing

• Apply for campus housing.
• Register for orientation.
   

MAY – GRADUATION

Finish Strong

• Complete all coursework.
• Take AP exams if applicable.
• Continue demonstrating good character and attendance.

Final Transcript

• Request your final transcript be sent to the college you will attend.

Celebrate

• Thank your teachers, family, and mentors.
• Graduate!
   

JUNE – PREPARE FOR COLLEGE

College Readiness

• Register for orientation.
• Select housing and meal plans.
• Sign up for classes.
• Submit immunization records and health forms.

Financial Aid

• Accept your financial aid package.
• Complete loan counseling if required.

Employment

• Get a summer job if possible.
• Start saving for college expenses.
   

JULY – GET READY TO LAUNCH

Final Preparation

• Purchase supplies.
• Set up your college email and student accounts.
• Learn your class schedule.
• Create a monthly budget.
• Pack thoughtfully for move-in.

Life Skills

• Practice doing laundry.
• Learn basic cooking.
• Understand how to manage your bank account.
• Know how to refill prescriptions and make medical appointments.

Throughout the Entire Year

• Check your email every day.
• Meet every deadline.
• Apply for scholarships regularly.
• Keep your grades up.
• Stay involved in school.
• Build positive relationships with teachers.
• Ask questions when you need help.
• Take care of your physical and mental health.
• Stay organized.
• Remember that colleges can rescind admission offers if your grades, behavior, or disciplinary record decline significantly.

Senior Success Habits

Students who are most successful:

• Use a planner or digital calendar.
• Read every email from colleges.
• Meet with their counselor when they have questions.
• Complete applications early.
• Stay focused in the classroom.
• Continue serving their community.
• Advocate for themselves.
• Keep a positive attitude through the ups and downs of senior year.

Success isn't about doing one thing perfectly—it's about consistently taking small steps every month that move you toward your goals.