College Timeline
Senior Year
What You Need to Know
Pace Yourself
July - August: Senior Year
Narrow Down Your List of Colleges
Students should prepare to apply to at least 4 colleges.
Think of it this way:
One Reach School - a school whose requirements may be above your qualifications
Two Chance Schools - schools that you have a good change of being accepted
One Safety School - A school that you will be accepted, such as a community college
August of Senior Year (College)
Prepare Your Recommenders
Ask your teachers for recommendations
Should have at least 3 teachers - freshmen-junior year teachers. Core class teachers are more valuable
Must give teachers your resume (Click here for a sample)
This will help them write your recommendation.
You must give teachers at least 1 month (30 days) before the deadline to write your recommendation
August of Senior Year
Make a list of what you will need to apply to each college
Online application (found on the college's website)
How many recommendations do you need?
Some colleges ask for specific teachers, such as a science or English teacher​.​​
Do you need an essay or personal statement?
Do you need to send your transcript now or later?
Do you need to submit SAT or ACT scores or is your school test optional?
How much is the application fee? (If you qualify for free or reduced lunch you are eligible for a fee waiver. See Miss Kristy for help)
Take note of the deadline!
See Lahainaluna's Application Policies
September of Senior Year
Majority of Applications Open
If you meet ALL of the college's requirements you can start your college applications.
If you need help with your applications, use the button below to ask Miss Kristy a question or set up an appointment.
October 1st - Senior Year
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opens
Students can start applying for financial aid.
November - December Senior Year
Scholarships Open
Once you have completed all college applications you can start applying to scholarships.
Hawaii Community Foundation Scholarships open
January - Senior Year
Local/Community Scholarships
The bulk of the local or community scholarships open.
Lahainaluna Foundation Scholarships
Lahaina Restoration Scholarships
May 1st - Senior Year
College Decision Day
This is the deadline to choose your 4-year college or university
The deadline for community colleges will probably be during summer.
Check with your community college's website for their deadline.
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2nd Week of May - Senior Year
Virtual Scholarship Awards Program
Students will be notified that they received a scholarship on May 1st.
Student "Thank you" videos must be submitted to Miss Kristy 2 days before the Virtual Program.
Thank you letters for scholarship donors are due to Miss Kristy before graduation practice begins.