Fall (September to October)

Most early decision and early action applications are due between October 1 and November 1. If you want to take advantage of these options, make sure to keep deadlines in mind and supply all needed documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, ACT/SAT scores, etc.).
TESTING - Take the SAT and/or ACT: If you haven't taken a college entrance exam or feel like you can improve your score results, schedule testing in the fall of senior year. This way you can get your scores back in time for college applications and scholarship applications. 
SCHOLARSHIPS - Work on your scholarship applications, and submit according to deadlines.
College Essay Help Sessions. Get started on essays to be included in your applications. 
Recommendation Request Forms - ask for letters of recommendation at least a month prior to the deadline.
​FAFSA - complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid - available on October 1 each year.  
  • Do not use your K12 email account when completing the FAFSA. Your K12 email will be closed at the completion of your senior year. So, it is best to use your personal email. 
​Financial Aid Meeting on October 25, 20216:00 - 7:00 pm, Auditorium
Senior Parents and seniors are invited to learn about the financial aid process. We will have a guest speaker presenting on the FAFSA process. Information will also be offered on what students will need for post-secondary planning (college applications, scholarship searches, financial aid process, etc.).
CSS PROFILE - Certain schools require the CSS PROFILE in the fall if you plan to go through their early application process.
Transcripts - request official transcripts, remember the counseling office needs your electronic student signature in order to process requests. 
Common Application - ​the Common App is an undergraduate college admission application that applicants may use to apply to any of more than 900 member colleges and universities. First time users can utilize the search bar on the common application to find information or one of the options below. 
​College Access Campaign/College Application Week: October 18th - November 30th - seniors apply FREE applications to the following South Dakota postsecondary institutions: 
  • Black Hills State University - no code necessary
  • Dakota State University - DSUFREEAPP
  • Lake Area Technical College - no code necessary
  • Mitchell Technical College - no code necessary
  • Northern State University - GOWOLVES
  • Presentation College - Students can apply at mypc.presentation.edu/applynow code SDSaints
  • South Dakota School of Mines & Technology - no code necessary
  • South Dakota State University - code Jackrabbit2022
  • University of South Dakota - no code necessary
Minnesota State Week apply for free: October 25-31, 2021 - minnstate.edu/MinnStateWk/index.html
​Check out these Post-Secondary Planning Sites:


​Winter (November - February)

Submit regular decision applications—Most colleges offer regular decision due dates around January 1 and March 1 of each year.
USF FAFSA Nights: Sign up online at https://apps.usiouxfalls.edu/form/fafsa-night. 
​This event is open to everyone – not just students planning to attend USF.  
  • Monday, November 8 
  • Tuesday, November 16
​University of Nebraska-Lincoln Free Application: until November 9th 2020, application fee waiver code: 7FDZ5J - www.unl.edu/apply-now/
 University of North Dakota Free Application Day: November 12th, application fee waiver code: SD2020 - und.edu/admissions/
Check with the financial aid office of schools you are applying to for specific information (scholarships and costs for tuition, fees, room and board, and any additional financial aid information).
SCHOLARSHIPS - Continue work on your scholarship applications, and submit according to deadlines.
The Sioux Falls Community Foundation Scholarships are available from December 15th through March 15th. Review their scholarships and apply!
Transcripts - request official transcripts, remember the counseling office needs your electronic student signature in order to process requests. ​
Students interested in playing sports in college - continue to track coursework:


​Spring (March to May)

​SCHOLARSHIPS - Continue work on your scholarship applications, and submit according to deadlines.
Update your FAFSA and CSS PROFILE applications - Update your financial aid applications with data from your most recent year tax returns if this information was estimated on your initial FAFSA / CSS PROFILE.
Send tax information for verification, if requested - Some colleges may require verification of your financial information. 
Compare financial aid packages from multiple schools - Colleges will send an Award Letter notifying students of the financial aid package they are offering consisting of grants, loans and work-study. 
Consider a financial aid appeal, if necessary - If there is a change in your family's financial circumstance or if a college's financial aid package does not meet your need, contact the financial aid office ASAP to appeal the Award Letter.
Submit your enrollment deposit - Keep in mind deadlines to submit a deposit and secure your place for regular decision applications (typically May 1). If you're worried about the cost of the deposit, talk to the school about a fee-waiver.
Complete ongoing enrollment paperwork for your college (orientation, scheduling, housing, etc.) Double check to make sure all paperwork is completed by the deadlines.
Request a FINAL Transcript from the registrar's office to be sent to your school after graduation. Reminder emails will be sent out to seniors and their parents in May.