Senior Year

High School Senior Year: Countdown Checklist

  • Continue to build your graduation file. Include items like college applications, FAFSA info, transcripts, IEP/504 Plan copies, and letters of recommendation.
  • Lead your own IEP meetings and clearly outline your postsecondary plans and goals.
  • Make your senior year feel more like college: manage your time, keep track of assignments, and use a planner or calendar consistently.
  • Develop an organized system for storing and accessing your class materials.
  • Challenge yourself academically. Take rigorous classes without modifications if possible.
  • Only use accommodations that are available at the postsecondary level and get familiar with how to access them independently.
  • Research and begin using assistive technology that can support you after high school.
  • Complete assignments on time and build strong habits for academic responsibility.
  • Practice self-advocacy by speaking with teachers and staff directly, instead of relying solely on your case manager.
  • Understand how disability support changes after high school. .
  • Complete and submit college applications and entrance essays. Most are available online—check deadlines early!
  • Meet with your counselor to discuss scholarships. Search online, but never pay for scholarship listings—they should be free.
  • Have financial aid and debt conversations with your family and counselor.
  • Submit the FAFSA early and know your college’s priority deadline.
  • Visit potential colleges. Schedule meetings with admissions and disability services to review documentation requirements and accommodations.
  • Retake the ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer if necessary to meet admission or scholarship criteria.
Tip: Prepare for financial aid season with and use to explore funding options.