Ultimate October Checklist for Seniors in 2024

As a high school senior, you’re likely deep into the college application process. October marks a pivotal time for staying on top of tasks that will help you submit strong applications and maximize your academic opportunities. From finalizing your college list to preparing for standardized tests and securing letters of recommendation, this key month—just like jack-o-lanterns on Halloween—is crucial in setting the stage for what is to come! 

Below is a comprehensive checklist to help you stay organized and proactive throughout October for a successful college application experience.

Don’t get spooked. Here’s a great checklist to help you stay on track for the top 10 tasks for high school seniors this month:

While your senior year grades might not have a huge impact on your overall GPA, they still carry significant weight with college admissions officers. Many schools review your latest grades closely to gauge your academic consistency and growth. Plus, senior year grades can become key talking points during alumni interviews. Continue to maintain strong performance in your classes and show dedication to extracurricular activities, as this can strengthen your college application and increase your chances of getting accepted into your dream schools.

If you haven’t finalized your college list yet, October is the perfect time to do so. By getting this task out of the way now, you’ll avoid last-minute stress as application deadlines approach. Set aside dedicated time to research colleges and universities, including those that may not have been on your radar initially. Narrowing down your list early helps you manage the upcoming workload and tailor your applications to the schools that best align with your academic and personal goals. Not to mention, starting to build your final college list now (in October) means you’ll likely have time to visit colleges that are close to you over the next few months!

If you’re considering applying through early decision, early action, or rolling admissions, now is the time to act. Early decision is ideal if you have a clear first-choice school, but be mindful that it is a binding commitment. Early action, while non-binding, also offers the advantage of receiving admission decisions sooner. 

Another reason to consider applying earlier is that alongside the standard application for admission, many honors programs and scholarships will have deadlines that align with the EA/ED timeline. Keep in mind that most early applications are due by November 1st, so use your time in October to finalize your materials and submit them on time.

If you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores, October is crucial for wrapping up your testing strategy. Many students schedule their last SAT or ACT in October to meet regular decision deadlines at the end of the calendar year. 

Remaining SAT Test Dates, Fall 2024:

• November 2 - Register here by October 18 (late registration through October 22)
• December 7 - Register here by November 22 (late registration through November 26)

Remaining ACT Test Dates, Fall 2024:

• October 26 - Register here by September 20 (late registration through October 5)
• December 14 - Register here by November 8 (late registration through November 22)

Make sure to register for any upcoming exams you plan to take, and if necessary, plan a study schedule to boost your score. Doing this early will ensure you’re prepared without the stress of missing important deadlines.

Colleges often require recommendation letters to get an external perspective on your character, academic abilities, and readiness for college. Now is the time to request letters from teachers, mentors, or coaches who know you well. Be sure to give them plenty of time to write thoughtful, personalized letters. If you have a brag sheet or résumé, share it with your recommenders to help them highlight your strengths and achievements. The earlier you ask, the better!

However, don’t wait for your recommender to submit their letter. The teacher recommendation is what some counselors would call a “separate swim late,” meaning that after you request the letter, it’s out of your hands. As a student, your priority is the other application materials.

As you finalize your college list, review the specific application requirements for each school. Different institutions may require specific documents like transcripts, test scores, or résumés. Some may even require applicants to fill out a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) in lieu of any of the above. To avoid any last-minute scrambling, start gathering your materials in October. Keeping everything organized will streamline the application process and prevent delays. Find a system that works for you and note the requirements for each college.

College costs can add up quickly, and scholarships are a great way to offset those expenses. Take the time to research scholarship opportunities that are available to you, both locally and nationally. In addition to general scholarships, look for opportunities tied to the schools on your college list. Don’t miss out on free money—keep an eye on deadlines and make sure your applications are submitted on time.

Although the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) usually opens on October 1st, this year’s release has been delayed until December 2024. Use this extra time to gather the necessary financial documents and become familiar with the FAFSA process. Don’t forget to check if your schools require the College Scholarship Service Profile (aka CSS Profile), especially if you’re applying to private institutions. Planning will allow you to submit financial aid applications as soon as they’re available, putting you in the best position to receive aid. Check the Federal Student Aid website for current updates.

October is a fantastic time to visit prospective schools, especially while classes are in session. Many colleges offer organized visit days specifically for seniors, which may include the opportunity to stay overnight on campus. Take advantage of these visits to attend classes, meet current students, and get a feel for campus life. If you can, schedule a meeting with a college representative to learn more about the school and make a positive impression before you apply.

Not possible to visit in person? Don’t worry. Try to attend webinars and virtual sessions, in addition to reading their social media channels, to learn more about the student community.

Your school counselor is an invaluable resource during this process. They can provide guidance, help you stay on track, and ensure that all your application materials—such as transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters—are sent to the right schools on time. Make it a priority to check in with your counselor regularly throughout October to make sure you haven’t missed any important steps.

October is a critical month for staying organized and making significant progress on your college applications. By following this checklist, you’ll be well on your way to submitting strong, complete applications that showcase your strengths and dedication. 

However, we understand that the college admissions process can feel overwhelming at times. If you need extra support, Empowerly is here to help! From personalized guidance on early applications to expert advice on improving your standardized test scores, we offer the resources you need to succeed. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation today and take the next step toward your college dreams with confidence.