How to Handle Applications, Scholarships & Dorm Life Like a Total Pro
College is calling… and whether you’re feeling totally ready or one step away from hitting the panic button, this guide is here to help you plan, prep, and maybe even enjoy the ride. From realistic timelines to easy-to-follow checklists, I’ll walk you through exactly what to do (and when to do it)—no fluff, no stress.
Looking for a full breakdown of senior year milestones like prom, photos, and graduation prep? Don’t miss my Senior Year Planning Guide—it pairs perfectly with this post!
Junior Year & Early Senior Year: Lay the Foundation
This is the prep work before the chaos hits full throttle. Think of it as your warm-up lap—college tours, test plans, and getting organized so you’re not sprinting to finish everything later. Future You will be SO glad you started early!
Start Touring Colleges
- Visit schools if you can—or go virtual with YouTube tours and campus TikToks.
- Pay attention to size, setting (urban vs. rural), and vibe. They matter more than you think!
- Take notes or start a “college comparison” doc so they don’t all blur together.
Take or Skip the SAT/ACT
- Some schools are test-optional, but many still require or recommend scores.
- If testing, register early and schedule time to study or take a prep course.
- Not testing? Make sure your target schools don’t require scores for scholarships.
Build Your Resume
- List leadership roles, community service, jobs, awards—anything that shows who you are.
- This will make applications and recommendation letters way easier later.
Ask for Letters of Rec
- Ask teachers, coaches, or mentors early—ideally by the start of senior year (or even late junior year).
- Give them a quick brag sheet or summary of your goals. Don’t leave them guessing!
- Fall of Senior Year: Application Season = Go Time
Deadlines, essays, and All. The. Portals. It’s officially time to get those applications submitted. But don’t worry—if you stay organized (and caffeinated), you can totally handle this.
Make a College List
- Not every school needs to be Ivy League—or a total backup. Mix it up with a few dream schools, a few solid bets, and one or two you know you’ve got in the bag.
- Think about majors, class sizes, campus culture, and cost.
- If jumping straight into a university doesn’t feel right, community college might be your best move—especially if you’re looking to save on tuition, explore majors, or stay local your first year or two.
Write That Essay
- Real > perfect. Be yourself and don’t try to sound like a robot.
- Don’t wait until the night before—it shows.
- Get someone to proofread who will tell you the truth (not just “it’s good!”)
Keep Track of Deadlines
- Early Action and Early Decision: Usually October–November
- Regular Decision: Typically January–February
- Rolling Admission: The sooner you apply, the better
Submit Applications
- Know which platform each college uses—Common App, Coalition App, or school-specific.
- Double-check for extras like supplemental essays, portfolios, or recommendation letters.
Winter: Money Talk (And Yes, It Matters)
Welcome to the world of acronyms: FAFSA, CSS, EFC… fun, right? This is when financial aid and scholarships take center stage. It might feel overwhelming, but this is where the real savings happen—so don’t skip it!
Fill Out the FAFSA
- The FAFSA opens in October (but dates can shift—watch for updates).
- It’s required for federal grants, loans, and many scholarships—even some merit ones.
Look for Scholarships (NOW, not later)
- Don’t wait until you’re accepted to start applying.
- Look locally (through your high school), nationally, and directly through colleges.
- Keep a doc with due dates, essay prompts, and how much they’re worth.
Pro Tip: Check out Amazon Dorm Essentials while you’re at it—because every dollar you save now helps with all the stuff you’ll need later!
Compare Financial Aid Packages
- Once you get your offers, look beyond just tuition—factor in housing, meals, and fees.
- Need help decoding all those acronyms? Don’t be afraid to call the financial aid office. That’s literally what they’re there for!
Spring: Say Yes & Get Prepped
You did the work, got the acceptances, and now it’s time to choose your home for the next four years. Say yes, pick your dorm, and maybe start learning how to do your own laundry (just saying).
Pick Your School
- May 1 = National Decision Day.
- Pay your enrollment deposit (and decline other offers politely).
Housing, Roommates, & Meal Plans
- Complete your housing application as soon as it opens.
- Most schools have portals to find roommates—fill out your profile with your actual habits (early bird? night owl? clean freak? be honest!)
Register for Orientation
- These usually happen in early summer.
- You’ll get your student ID, register for classes, and meet people before move-in day.
Summer: It’s Happening for Real
Orientation emails are hitting your inbox, dorm shopping lists are growing, and move-in day is suddenly not that far away. This is when it all gets real—and really exciting!
Shop for Dorm Stuff
Start with:
- Twin XL bedding
- Shower caddy & flip flops
- Power strips (with surge protection!)
- Desk lamp & organizer
- Laundry basket (bonus: the collapsible kind saves space)
Need help knowing what’s actually worth buying? I’ve got you covered with this college dorm shopping list full of tried-and-true favorites.
Talk About Finances
- Who’s paying for books? Gas? Pizza?
- Will they have a credit card? Debit card? Budget app?
- Talk before they move in so there are no surprises later.
Final Checklist
- Set up your school email
- Upload vaccine records or health forms
- Order textbooks or rent them online
- Connect with your roommate
- Schedule a last-minute Target run… because you know it’s gonna happen
What to Look for in a College
Choosing a college isn’t just about rankings or mascots—it’s about finding the place where you’ll actually live for the next four years. Before you fall for the free T-shirt or the fancy dorm tour, make sure you’re asking the right questions. Here’s what really matters when you’re figuring out where you belong.
Location
- Big city or small town?
- Close to home or a flight away?
- Weather matters (hello, snow-shoveling freshmen in flip-flops).
Majors & Programs
- Do they actually offer your intended major?
- What’s their reputation in that field?
- Are there internships, research, or career connections tied to it?
Housing
- Are freshmen guaranteed housing?
- What do the dorms look like IRL (not just the brochure)?
- Suite style or bunk beds with a stranger? Ask the hard questions!
Campus Vibe
- Are students walking around in pajamas or business casual?
- Is Greek life a thing?
- Do you feel like you belong there?
Cost & Financial Aid
- Total cost: tuition, housing, food, travel, etc.
- What kind of scholarships or aid do they offer?
- Check your “net price” (after aid), not just the sticker shock.
Class Size & Teaching Style
- Small seminars or massive lecture halls?
- Are professors accessible or do you deal with TAs most of the time?
Support Systems
- Mental health resources
- Academic tutoring and writing centers
- Career counseling (because adulting is coming fast)
Psst… One Last Thing
You don’t need to have it all figured out! You don’t need a five-year plan. You just need a general direction and the confidence to take the next step. One task at a time. And don’t forget to breathe! It’s gonna be OK, I promise!
Ready to Cross “Senior Pictures” Off Your To-Do List?
If you need senior pictures that are as cool as your college plans? You already know who to call. It’s exciting! And with a little planning, it can feel a lot less overwhelming!
Still looking for the right photographer? Download my free Senior Client Welcome Guide to see what it’s like to work with me and get all the details in one spot.
Keep the Ideas Coming…
Want even more inspo for senior pictures? Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook—I’m always posting the latest looks, posing ideas, favorite location, and real client sessions to help you plan the senior pictures of your dreams!
Got a few more tabs open? Same! So if you’re on a roll, check these out next:
→ How to Enjoy Senior Year (Without the Stress!)
→ The Truth About School Yearbook Photos
→ Best Places to Take Senior Pictures
