Senior spotlight: D - Making a plan
This is a very generalized guide. Always consult with your adult mentors and advisers before moving forwards with your plan.
At this point in the series, we have discussed thinking about the bigger picture. Asking yourself questions about the lifestyle you desire, rather than a specific school or major. Then work backwards from lifestyle, to career, to education/training.
Now make plans that help you attain these goals. For every student this likely involves post-secondary funding. For some students preparing involves gaining work place related skills, for others it will look like building your academic profile or “stats” to aid in admissions and scholarships. Maybe you want to prepare for both paths!
Members can get the digital down load for “Senior Sink-In” Planning here
Everyone can benefit from using the Go To College Free Time Calculator
for senior year planning as well as post-secondary planning.
https://gotocollegevt.org/getting-started/free-time-calculator/
After entering the activities you consider to be uncompromisable, which should be sleep, eating, in school hours, or other activity that is essential to your daily function, you can use the free time calculator to determine how many hours to dedicate to post-secondary preparation. Create a timeline with the following:
Plan to dedicate some time to researching your funding options and post-secondary paths.
Learn the deadlines for admissions and financial aid.
Learn when housing applications open.
Discuss expectations with your family. Clearly state what your estimated financial need and ask your family what their expectations are for you to maintain that support.
Make a list of awards and competitions to apply for including their deadlines.
Visit prospective programs.
Continue to check back once a month as we update our self-help resources page. If you are a subscriber or package client, some or all of the above are included in your membership.
Review your ECAP or graduation plan with your school adviser both at the start of the year and before winter break.
Fill out the FAFSA if you meet these qualifications discussed here
Collect references or recommendation letters for jobs or college prep purposes.
These are the first steps to include in a year long plan for seniors who may be at the beginning stage of post-secondary planning. This information is most beneficial for students seeking vocational, community college, or Arizona universities pathways. For seniors seeking admissions to universities with highly competitive admissions rates, we recommend a consultation for a customized package.
