Last-Minute Guide for Seniors

After four years, the time is here for the class of 2022 to prepare for their future. The thought of impending graduation brings a flood of emotions for seniors. Maintaining a to-do list is a “must do “for any senior. Keeping seniors on track for a smooth, stress free final year of high school is the smart route to take. 

As February comes to a close and the school year reaches its end, most seniors have already begun receiving letters from their preferred colleges. 

A seniors’ first instinct should be applying for scholarships in the little amount of time that remains. Most deadlines for college applications are beginning to close as are scholarship applications. Seniors finding a scholarship suitable to them should not be an issue. Scholarship types range from eye color to one’s dominant hand (http://www.scholarships.com). Although a seniors’ main concern should be applying for scholarships, the real concern should really be timing and figuring out the deadlines for preferred scholarships. 

Speaking of deadlines, seniors should have already ordered their cap and gown by the second of February for on time delivery for graduation. Gear should have been ordered by our graduation vendor, Herff Jones. Aside from ordering cap and gowns, seniors can still order class of 2022 merchandise at https://www.hjgrad.com/. Here, seniors can find many different bundles available, depending on what they might be interested in. Merchandise consists of: Hoodies, T-shirts, sweatpants, a keychain, and even a tassel.

As graduation makes its way closer and closer, seniors should make sure they are intact with their credits. Whichever diploma type students have, their goal should be to make that their end result. Right now is the best time for seniors to meet with counselors for a final credit check. 

For many seniors first thought when even deciding on what college to apply to is tuition. While some still operate under the notion that high college costs make it a dream instead of a reality, with a little information and some hard work, any senior can make their college dreams a reality. 

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) form (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa) is the first and most important step any college bound senior should make. The form may be completed by enrolled or soon to be enrolled college students in the United States, to determine their eligibility for financial aid. Financial aid is important due to the fact that it helps offset expenses for future education and could make life easier for not only a student, but their guardian(s) too. Since the FAFSA form did open up in October of 2021, the deadline is sooner than anticipated. Seniors have until June 30, 2022 to apply for financial aid. Getting the form done now rather than late is recommended as funds are dispersed on a first come first serve basis.