DECEMBER 2025
SENIORS
UNDERSTANDING WHEN COLLEGES RELEASE FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES Many release initial merit aid offers along with admissions decisions after January. That first offer is typically the minimum amount; additional stackable scholarships may follow. Example: PLU offers a renewable $1,000 scholarship for completing a campus visit. Some schools release all scholarship offers in batches in February or March, and occasionally as late as April. STATE UNIVERSITIES Often wait for FAFSA results before issuing financial aid packages. Typically offer less institutional aid because students already benefit from in-state tuition or, in some cases, WUE tuition rates. IF YOU ARE NOT FILING THE FAFSA Notify each college’s Financial Aid Office so they do not delay your application while waiting for FAFSA information. FAFSA PROCESSING TIMELINE Once submitted, the FAFSA is usually sent to colleges within 7-11 days. WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) 170+ public universities offer reduced tuition rates through WUE to qualifying students. Check your prospective colleges’ websites for their individual process. IF YOU HAVEN’T RECEIVED A FINANCIAL AID OFFER Allow the school time to process your materials. Processing timelines vary, especially during peak months. DECISION TIMELINE You are encouraged to wait until you can compare all offers before making a commitment. You have until May 1st to make your final college decision.
REG DECISION APPLICATION DEADLINES ARE APPROACHING DON’T MISS YOUR DEADLINES! Complete all applications by Dec. 30, so you can enjoy your Christmas Break! SUBMIT THE FAFSA We recommend that everyone do this if you haven’t already, to explore loan and scholarship opportunities right away.
CHECK YOUR APPLICANT PORTALS & EMAILS COLLEGES MAY REQUEST INFORMATION & COMMUNICATE NEXT STEPS Don't miss anything or your application could be dismissed. SOME COLLEGES WILL SEND AUTOMATED REQUESTS FOR MIDYEAR REPORTS UNTIL THEY ARE RECEIVED. This is normal, and your application will not be in jeopardy if you communicate with them. Please respond in an email to explain we are still in session until Jan. 27, 2026 and after the grades are finalized, counselors will promptly send the midyear report by February 14, 2026.
IS SENIORITIS SETTING IN? ELIMINATE PROCRASTINATION AND GET STUFF DONE TO HELP YOU FREE UP YOUR WEEKENDS. Use this free version or low-cost digital Shovel Planner to help you do it all: schedule, plan, sync tasks, time manage, and reduce stress. Or these free printable planner sheets made just for you!
THANK YOUR LETTER WRITERS! SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION BY WRITING A THANKYOU CARD FOR YOUR TEACHERS AND COUNSELOR How to write a thank-you note