Complete senior requirements

Overview

Complete all remaining senior-year requirements: courses finished, exams taken, graduation eligibility confirmed.

Academic Requirements

Course Completion

• All enrolled courses completed
• Required courses for graduation
• Required for college admission (e.g., foreign language if school requires)
• A-G course completion for UC/CSU residents

AP/IB Exams

• Take all registered AP exams (even if unprepared)
• Take all IB exams
• Report scores to committed college

Final Exams

• Strong performance on finals
• Study groups, review sessions
• Teacher office hours

Non-Academic Requirements

Community Service Hours

• Some districts require hours
• Document through your school
• Turn in documentation forms

Senior Project

• If required, complete on time
• Presentations, papers, final report

Volunteer or Service Requirements

• Meeting graduation requirements
• Log and verify hours

Graduation Prep

Graduation Fees

• Cap and gown ($40-$80)
• Diploma cover/frame
• Graduation announcements
• Senior yearbook
• Grad night/senior prom

Graduation Forms

• Name change request (if using different name)
• Diploma mailing address confirmation
• Transcript request for college
• Mailing confirmation

Final Activities

• Prom
• Senior trip (if applicable)
• Senior week
• Awards ceremonies
• Graduation ceremony

Post-Graduation Submissions

Final Transcript

• Sent by your high school after graduation
• Required by committed college
• Goes to Office of the Registrar
• Typically sent mid-June to late June

AP Score Reports

• Sent in July
• Free to committed college (select on College Board)
• Additional reports $15 each

IB Score Reports

• Sent in July
• Free to IB-authorized schools

Financial Aid Final Steps

Accept All Aid

• Accept Pell Grant
• Accept institutional grants
• Accept subsidized loans (up to limit, if needed)
• Accept work-study
• Decline unsubsidized loans if not needed

Loan Entrance Counseling

• If borrowing federal loans
• Online at studentaid.gov
• Usually takes 30-60 minutes

Master Promissory Note

• Required for federal loans
• Legal agreement
• Online signature

Health Forms

• Complete medical history form
• Submit immunization records
• Provide insurance information
• Confirm HIPAA consent (if 18+)

Housing Follow-Up

• Check housing assignment
• Contact roommate if assigned
• Complete required paperwork
• Plan move-in logistics

Summer Reading/Assignments

• Some colleges assign summer reading
• Pre-matriculation assignments
• Log in to student portal regularly

Technology Setup

• University email account activation
• Password reset
• Two-factor authentication
• Access to academic systems

Course Registration

• At orientation or online
• Following academic advisor recommendations
• Balance of requirements and interests
• Verify credits accepted

Driving and Identification

• State driver's license for 18+
• Student ID for campus access
• Passport if international or study abroad planned

Banking

• Student bank account
• Direct deposit setup for work-study
• Credit card consideration

Practical Prep

• Laundry skills
• Cooking basics
• Personal finance (budgeting, bills)
• Time management tools

Family Transitions

• Managing emotions of departure
• Establishing communication norms
• Visit schedules
• First-year milestones

The Graduation Moment

• Ceremony attendance
• Photos and memories
• Thank teachers and staff
• Sign yearbook
• Plan gathering with friends and family

After Graduation

• Relaxation and reflection
• Summer job or internship
• Travel if possible
• Preparing for college transition
• Mental health check-in
• Excitement for the next chapter