Campus Bound Transition Planner
Senior Pathways Guide • Part 1
Campus Bound Transition Planner
Target Year: 2026–2027
Student Name
Counselor / Advisor
Primary Major / Field
Post-Secondary Target
Fall Application Milestones (Sept – Dec)
September Launch
- Finalize college list (Reach / Match / Safety)
- Request 2 teacher recommendations
- Create Common App / Coalition profile
October Drafting
- Draft & revise personal statement essay
- Create Student FSA ID & parent FSA ID
- Submit Early Decision/Action transcripts
November Priority
- Nov 1/15: Submit EA/ED applications
- Complete supplemental institution essays
- Verify test score dispatches (if reporting)
December Submissions
- Submit Regular Decision applications
- Confirm applicant portals & login credentials
- Send formal thank-you notes to recommenders
Application Tracking Ledger
Balance: 2-3 Reach, 3-4 Match, 2 Safety
| Institution & Location | Category | App Type | Deadline | Transcripts & Recs | Portal Status / Outcome |
|---|
| Reach | Match | Safety | EA | ED |
| Reach | Match | Safety | EA | ED |
| Reach | Match | Safety | EA | ED |
| Reach | Match | Safety | EA | ED |
| Reach | Match | Safety | EA | ED |
| Reach | Match | Safety | EA | ED |
Letters of Recommendation Tracker
1
Recommender: ____________ Subject: _________ Requested □ Submitted □
2
Recommender: ____________ Subject: _________ Requested □ Submitted □
3
Counselor Rec: ___________ Brag Sheet □ Requested □ Submitted □
Score Reporting & Portals
SAT / ACT Best: Total: ____ EBRW/M: ____
Official Transcripts: Ordered □ Sent □
AP / Dual Enrollment: Credits Logged □
Keep a secure record of all portal PINs and usernames.
Campus Bound Transition Planner • Page 1 of 3 Check portal updates weekly
Senior Pathways Guide • Part 2
Financial Aid & Funding Matrix
FAFSA & Aid Comparison
FAFSA & Institutional Aid Readiness Priority filing maximizes grant eligibility
Student FSA ID Created
Parent/Contributor FSA ID
FAFSA Submitted Date: ______
Student Aid Index (SAI): _____
CSS Profile Filed (if req.)
State Aid Form Completed
Financial Aid Offer Comparison
Net Price = Total Cost − Free Gift Aid (Grants/Scholarships)
| Cost & Aid Categories | College Choice A | College Choice B | College Choice C |
|---|
| College Name | | | |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $ | $ | $ |
| Housing & Food (On-Campus) | $ | $ | $ |
| Books, Supplies & Personal Misc. | $ | $ | $ |
| TOTAL COST OF ATTENDANCE (COA) | $ | $ | $ |
| (-) Institutional Scholarships / Grants | $ | $ | $ |
| (-) Federal Pell & State Grants | $ | $ | $ |
| ACTUAL NET PRICE (Out-of-Pocket Gap) | $ | $ | $ |
| Federal Work-Study Offered | $ | $ | $ |
| Federal Direct Subsidized Loan | $ | $ | $ |
Scholarship Pursuit Tracker
Target local civic groups, employers & foundations
| Scholarship Name & Sponsor | Due Date | Value ($) | Required Materials | Status / Outcome |
|---|
| | | Essay □ Rec □ Tx □ | Submitted □ Awarded □ |
| | | Essay □ Rec □ Tx □ | Submitted □ Awarded □ |
| | | Essay □ Rec □ Tx □ | Submitted □ Awarded □ |
| | | Essay □ Rec □ Tx □ | Submitted □ Awarded □ |
Special Circumstances Appeal Tip: If family financial conditions have changed (job change, medical expenses, sibling in college), contact each college's financial aid office for a Professional Judgment / Special Circumstances review before making your final commitment.
Campus Bound Transition Planner • Page 2 of 3 Compare award letters line-by-line
Senior Pathways Guide • Part 3
Enrollment & Campus Blueprint
Spring Decision & Summer Prep
Chosen Institution Commitment
Selected College: _____________________________________
National Decision Day MAY 1, 2027
Spring Matriculation Checklist (March – June)
Deposit & Academic Records
-
Submit Enrollment Deposit Date Paid: _______ Conf #: _______
-
Decline Offers at Other Colleges Releases spots and aid packages to waitlisted peers
-
Request Final High School Transcript Submit through school counseling portal post-graduation
-
Send AP / IB / Dual Enrollment Credit Order official reports from College Board / partner college
Housing, Health & Orientation
-
Housing Application & Roommate Profile Deposit paid □ Hall Preference: _________
-
Immunization & Health Clearance Forms Doctor physical & vaccine record uploaded
-
Math & Language Placement Exams Completed online prior to academic advising
-
Register for New Student Orientation Session Date: __________ Family Guest: □
One-Time Launch Budget & Pack List
Plan for start-up costs before move-in day
Technology & Books Est. Cost
Laptop / Charger $ ________
Fall Textbooks / Codes $ ________
Software / Calculator $ ________
Dorm & Essentials Est. Cost
Twin XL Bedding & Towels $ ________
Mini-Fridge / Microwave $ ________
Shower Caddy & First Aid $ ________
Travel & Initial Cash Est. Cost
Move-In Transit / Gas $ ________
Campus Debit / Laundry $ ________
Emergency Reserve Fund $ ________
First 30 Days Campus Survival Framework
1. Academic Anchor
Introduce yourself to every professor in office hours during weeks 1–2. Locate the Writing Center and Tutoring Lab.
2. Well-Being Network
Locate student health services, the counseling center, and recreation facilities. Set up an emergency prescription routine.
3. Financial Sync
Visit the Bursar's office to ensure tuition balances are zeroed and complete onboarding paperwork for on-campus work-study.
4. Community Ties
Join 2 student clubs (1 professional/major-focused and 1 personal interest/hobby) during the Student Activities Fair.
Student Commitment Signature
Parent / Guardian Acknowledgment
High School Counselor Signoff
Campus Bound Transition Planner • Page 3 of 3 Ready for Day One on Campus
