Senior year can be stressful— with so much happening at once, it’s easy for families to overlook key steps in the college application process. Here are the top mistakes we see families make during senior year—and how you can avoid them.

1. Missing Deadlines
Between college applications, scholarship forms, FAFSA, ACT registration deadlines, and recommendation letters, it’s easy to lose track. Create a calendar with all major deadlines—especially schools like in Texas, which often have priority scholarship deadlines as early as November 1. We help our students stay organized and ensure we never miss a deadline, while maintaining a manageable workflow throughout the year. 

2. Not Completing the FAFSA Early
Many families delay the FAFSA or skip it entirely. Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for aid, some scholarships and colleges require it for merit aid consideration. Submit it as soon as it opens (usually in October). As a former student affairs administrator (Rennie Cook), I’ve seen that emergencies happen that affect a college student’s finances, and having a FAFSA already on file can ease the stress of an already stressful situation. 

3. Applying Without a Plan
Some students apply randomly to colleges without considering fit, finances, or long-term goals. Create a balanced list of schools—include reach, match, and likely options—and evaluate each based on academic programs, cost, and campus culture. Our Class 101 students and families are educated and empowered by understanding their options and the importance of fit, finances, and their long-term goals for their future. 

4. Rushing the Essays
College essays are not just writing assignments—they’re personal statements. Starting late leads to shallow or generic responses. Helping your student not just start early but understand what a strong personal statement entails is critical. Admissions essays matter.  Essays are often not considered only for admissions but also for scholarships. Our student regularly receive admission and scholarship letters that mention the quality of their essays. We know the secret success tips for supplemental essays at schools like OU, Baylor, and even schools like Harvard.

5. Ignoring All Scholarships
The scholarship search is confusing and complicated. Sadly, some companies will charge you for a scholarship search. You should NEVER pay for a scholarship search.  A great scholarship search always starts with an exhaustive understanding of your target school’s scholarship programs. Institutional scholarships are the most lucrative and predictable. Oklahoma families seeking outside scholarships should contact their high school counselor’s office and the local community foundation. We help our students by curating available scholarships and guiding them in determining where their best return on time and energy lies.  

Senior year moves fast. With the right plan and support, your family can avoid these pitfalls—and approach college with confidence.

Download our college planning checklist here.