Senior Year Career and College Planning Checklist

September

• Review your course schedule–take the most challenging and appropriate classes for your abilities.
• Stay involved in extracurricular activities—balance fun with academics.
• Plan and register for any final ACT or SAT tests, if needed.
• Finalize college list with names of schools and begin completing applications.
• Still researching post high school options, use the following websites to help in your career and college search:
  • CollegeBoard BigFuture
  • Washington CareerBridge

• Attend presentations by college representatives with virtual visits.
• Watch for virtual College Fairs and Events.
• Letters of Recommendation.
• Make a calendar and organize important activities and tasks for the semester and year.

October

• Keep your grades up–use any resources available to help you get the most out of your classes.
• Take the SAT
• Start working on FAFSA, WASFA and CSS Profile, if planning to attend college after high school
• Continue completing applications.

November

• Keep your grades up–use any resources available to help you get the most out of your classes.
• Watch for AP Exam registration if interested. Must be registered and paid to take AP Exam(s) in May.
• Continue completing applications.
• Review your calendar and activities/tasks list and adjust as needed.

December

• Continuing completing applications.
• FAFSA, WASFA
• Check grades and seek help for academic areas you may be struggling with now.  

January

• Keep focused with classes, finish out 1st semester strong
• Scholarship research and application completion continues.

February

• New semester—review what went well and what did not from 1st semester—adjust as needed.
• Still researching post high school options, use all resources to help move toward your goal.
• Scholarship research and application completion continues
• Complete Seattle Promise Application as a post high school college option.

March

• Scholarship research and application completion continues

April

• Check grades and keep working hard.
• Finalize college acceptance process.
• Scholarship research and application completion continues

May

• Still researching post high school options, use all resources to help move toward your goal.
• Prepare to take your AP Exams (if applicable).
• Scholarship research and application completion continues.
• Start researching summer opportunities including internships, jobs, volunteer work, summer programs, etc.

June

Finish out your classes and high school career on a positive note.
Graduation!

-> Pick up a Senior Year Career and College Planning Checklist PDF in the Counseling Office.

Blog Article for Collage Application Process

Rick Clark’s “The College Application is NOT a form. It’s YOUR STORY!” blog is fantastic if you’re going through the college application process.

Stay Informed!

Reading the PTSA Weekly Newsletter is one of the best ways to stay informed of upcoming events and deadlines. If you are not getting the PTSA Weekly Newsletter you can sign up on the Sign Up Form

Running Start & all Seniors & Families: Check the BHS Website Online Announcement page.

Senior parents watch and follow the FB PTSA Parents Class of 2026 for updates and as well as the Student Instagram @ballardhsclassof2026 for Associated Student Body (ASB) and students updates.

Questions for a Ballard HS Counselor or School Social Worker? Schedule an appointment.

Student & Family Helpful Information

Washington Student Achievement Council offers many resources for families as they prepare for life after graduation.

It’s common for graduating seniors to lose momentum during Summer Break. The last years have been particularly challenging, but don’t let that derail your hopes and dreams for the future. Take time this summer to reflect on what you want life to look like down the road.

Once graduation is behind you (Congratulations!), set yourself up for success in life after high school:

• Have a plan for college or career training. It’s not too late!
• Check out the Graduate Handbook, which provides next steps for recent high school graduates. The handbook includes a to-do list, info about college course types, financial aid tips, and more.
• Don’t forget to prepare a budget, and make sure you know how to access health care.
• Need help? Have questions? Identify supportive people and places in your community or on your future college campus.

Parents and families can help! Ask the adults in your life to review the Family Guide: Supporting Your Child After High School, which helps family members support graduates as they prepare for and complete their first year in college. The family guide is available in eight languages.

Life is changing, but you are ready—you can do this! Stay on track and plan your future on the Washington Student Achievement Council website.