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Grade 12 Monthly Tasks
12 年级月度任务清单 · Application phase
This page breaks Grade 12 (the application phase) into month-by-month tasks. Each month lists 3-6 concrete actions tagged by category (academics, standardized tests, essays, school list, activities, recommendations). Tasks focus on submission, decisions and enrollment.
把 12 年级拆成 12 个月的清单,每月 3-6 条具体任务,重点是递交申请、面试、录取与就读决策。
Tags:
Academic
Test
Essay
School
Activity
Rec Letter
Financial
- SchoolCommon App opens; fill out biographical info, activity list, and add schools to your list.
- Rec LetterConfirm recommenders have submitted or are on track; send gentle reminders 2 weeks before ED/EA deadline.
- TestTake September ACT or October SAT if retaking; this is the last sitting for ED/EA timelines.
- EssayFinalize Common App main essay; complete supplemental essays for top 3-5 ED/EA schools.
- AcademicSenior year grades matter — do not slack. Mid-year reports go to colleges in January.
- SchoolSubmit ED/EA applications by November 1; verify all materials arrived (transcripts, recs, scores).
- TestTake October SAT if needed; send official scores to ED/EA schools (allow 2-3 weeks for delivery).
- EssayBegin drafting RD supplemental essays; aim for 1-2 schools per week through December.
- SchoolFinalize RD school list to 8-12 across reach/match/safety; verify each school's deadline and requirements.
- ActivityUpdate activity list with senior year roles; document any new leadership or projects.
- SchoolED/EA applications due November 1 (some schools November 15). Submit at least 2 days early to avoid crashes.
- TestTake November SAT or ACT if still retaking; this is the last comfortable sitting for RD timelines.
- EssayComplete RD supplemental essays for top 5 schools; aim for 1-2 per week.
- Rec LetterSend thank-you notes to recommenders; confirm counselor submitted school report.
- FinancialBegin CSS Profile draft for early-deadline schools (some ED/EA schools need it by November 15).
- SchoolReceive ED/EA decisions mid-December; if admitted ED, withdraw other applications immediately.
- TestTake December SAT or ACT if still retaking; this is typically the last sitting for RD timelines.
- EssayComplete all RD supplemental essays; aim for "final draft pending review" by end of December.
- FinancialSubmit CSS Profile for early-deadline schools; FAFSA opens December 1 (US citizens/permanent residents).
- ActivityWrap up fall leadership deliverables; document outcomes for mid-year report updates.
- SchoolSubmit RD applications by January 1-15 (varies by school); verify all materials arrived.
- AcademicMid-year reports go to colleges in January; maintain grades and submit updated transcripts.
- TestSend final official SAT/ACT/TOEFL scores to all RD schools if not already sent.
- FinancialSubmit FAFSA for federal aid (US citizens); complete CSS Profile for RD schools requiring it.
- EssayUpdate essays if your profile changed significantly since submission (rare; only if asked).
- SchoolAttend alumni interviews if invited; prepare thoughtful questions about the school.
- SchoolSend "letter of continued interest" to waitlist/deferred schools; include any new achievements.
- AcademicMaintain grades; some schools request third-quarter reports before deciding.
- ActivityContinue activities at full intensity; do not check out before decisions arrive.
- FinancialComplete any remaining financial aid forms; respond to verification requests promptly.
- SchoolRD decisions released late March to early April; track all decisions in a spreadsheet.
- SchoolCompare admitted schools: financial aid packages, academic fit, campus culture, location.
- SchoolAttend admitted student events (Admitted Students Day, virtual sessions); ask current students tough questions.
- FinancialCompare financial aid packages; appeal if packages are significantly different across peer schools.
- TestTake AP exams registration if applicable; AP scores can earn college credit at admitted schools.
- SchoolVisit 2-3 top admitted schools if possible; informal visits help with final decision.
- SchoolSubmit enrollment deposit by May 1 (National Decision Day); notify other schools of your decision.
- SchoolIf waitlisted at top-choice school, send updated letter of continued interest with new achievements.
- FinancialAccept financial aid package at enrolled school; complete any remaining paperwork.
- TestTake AP/IB exams in May; scores will be sent to enrolled school for credit consideration.
- AcademicTake AP / IB / A-Level exams in May; scores are reported to enrolled school for credit.
- SchoolSubmit final transcript request to counselor; ensure grades do not drop significantly (offers can be rescinded).
- SchoolComplete enrollment paperwork: housing, meal plan, course registration, orientation signup.
- ActivityWind down high school activities gracefully; train successors if in leadership roles.
- TestTake May SAT or ACT only if enrolled school requires it for placement (rare).
- AcademicFinal transcripts sent to enrolled college; verify receipt and resolve any discrepancies.
- SchoolAttend graduation; thank teachers and counselors who supported your application.
- ActivityClose out high school activities; document final outcomes for personal records.
- SchoolBegin college transition: review summer reading lists, math placement exams, language placement tests.
- FinancialSet up college billing account; understand payment deadlines and refund policies.
- SchoolComplete summer assignments: reading lists, math packets, language placement prep.
- SchoolRegister for orientation; sign up for first-semester courses with advisor input.
- SchoolSet up college email and student portal; monitor for housing and registration deadlines.
- FinancialFinalize financial aid disbursement; confirm payment plan or loan arrangements.
- ActivityBegin packing and logistics for move-in day; coordinate with roommate if assigned.
- SchoolMove into dorm; attend orientation week activities; meet roommate and floor mates.
- SchoolFinalize course registration with academic advisor; understand add/drop deadlines.
- AcademicAttend first week of classes; assess workload and adjust schedule if needed within add/drop period.
- FinancialVerify tuition payment is complete; understand work-study assignments if applicable.
- ActivityExplore student clubs and organizations; sign up for 2-3 to try in first month.