Senior Timeline

Timeline for Seniors - What you need to know

September- October:

1) Make sure you are on track to graduate. At Kennard-Dale, 26.0 credits are needed to graduate.

2) Narrow down your list of potential schools. Call or email those schools to request information and admission applications. Many applications can be downloaded on line by going to the school’s web site and then clicking on the “Admissions” link. Make sure to write down each school’s application deadline. Getting your application in on time is very important.

3) Come to the guidance office and pick up a transcript release form. We need permission to send your transcripts off to the colleges you choose.

4) If needed, register for the fall SAT’s or ACT’s. Registration bulletins are available in the guidance office.

5) Fill out “Brag sheet” for counselors. This will help us write your recommendation letter if needed. “Brag sheets” can be picked up in the guidance office, and should include a description of awards, community involvement, extra-curricular activities etc. When requesting a recommendation from a teacher or counselor, ask them at least 2 weeks prior to when you need it completed. 

6) Schedule campus visits to schools you are seriously considering.

7) Begin preparing applications for admission.  Every college has it's own deadline for applications.  Always be aware of your college’s exact deadline. 

8) Decide whether you will be applying to schools as Early Decision, Early Action, Rolling Admissions, or Regular Admissions.

9) Meet with admissions representatives visiting KD. These dates are posted on the bulletin board outside the guidance office and are on the school web site under the guidance section.

10) Starting October 1, complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) along with any other financial aid applications your school of choice may require. The FAFSA online application web site is FAFSA.gov. Don't wait for acceptance offers from schools before you apply. Be aware of specific financial aid deadlines for the schools you are applying to.

11) Attend Financial Aid Night at KDHS. The date will be on the school calendar. 

November-December:

1) Allow time to prepare your essay, audition, or portfolio depending on what is required from the schools you’ve applied to.

2) Continue to schedule campus visits to schools you are seriously considering.

3) Research scholarship opportunities. Listen to morning announcements to find out about local scholarships.  There are a lot of good scholarship search engines (NICHE, Cappex, FastWeb, etc), try looking there as well.

4) Make sure your SAT or ACT scores are being sent to the appropriate schools.

5) Contact the admissions office at the schools you’ve applied to and make sure they have everything they need from you.

January-February:

1) Notify the guidance office if your chosen school requires mid-year transcripts to be sent. Stay on track with your grades.

2) Contact the financial aid office of the schools you have applied to and make sure they have received the appropriate materials.

March-April:

1) You should be hearing from schools to which you submitted applications by now.

2) Make your decision and find out what deposits you will be required to make to ensure your place in the freshmen class.

3) Notify your school of your desire to attend, and submit your deposit check.

4) Watch for important deadlines at your chosen college (housing, financial aid, etc.)