April 1, 2026

College Admittance Checklist for Seniors

1. Pay the Enrollment Fee

  • Deadline: As soon as the acceptance is confirmed (typically by May 1st, National College Decision Day).


2. Decline Other Offers


  • Deadline: Immediately after committing to one school, ideally by May 1st.

3. Check Housing Deposit Deadline

  • Deadline: Check the housing portal immediately after accepting the offer (deadlines vary by school, often by May/June).

4. Review Financial Aid/Scholarship Details

  • Deadline: Within 2-3 weeks after admission to ensure everything is in order.

5. Sign Up for Accepted/Admitted Student Visitation Days

  • Deadline: Within a month after admission, as spots fill quickly (preferably by May/June).

6. Register for Orientation/Move-In

  • Deadline: As soon as the registration opens, typically in June-July.

7. Follow Your College on Social Media/Join Group Chats

  • Deadline: ASAP after admission to connect with incoming students and find a roommate.


8. Check Your College Email Regularly

  • Deadline: Start immediately after acceptance to stay on top of important communications from your college.



9. If Greek Life is a Thing, Pay Attention to Dates

  • Deadline: Check early (some activities may begin before the school year, often prior to freshman orientation in August/September).

10. Start Pulling Together Legal Documents/Make an Important Documents Folder

  • Deadline: By June/July (ensure all forms like medical release, power of attorney, and emergency contacts are in order).

11. Look Into Renters Insurance

  • Deadline: By August. If living off-campus, secure insurance early. For on-campus, check if the school requires proof of coverage.

12. Order Textbooks/Supplies

  • Deadline: Mid-July to August – order early to save money and ensure you have everything needed for the first day of class.

13. Set Up a Bank Account or Arrange for Banking Services

  • Deadline: July/August if needed for living expenses and school-related costs.

14. Check Vaccination and Health Record Requirements

  • Deadline: By August – ensure immunizations are up-to-date and any required health forms are submitted.


By Sunny Grewal May 15, 2026
Half Moon Bay High has a higher UC admit rate than Palo Alto High and Gunn. Here’s what every Peninsula and Palo Alto family should actually know about these numbers.
By Sunny Grewal May 12, 2026
Mission High in SF doubled its UC admit rate in 6 years. Here are the 10 Bay Area schools whose UC numbers climbed the most, and why it matters for your kid.
By Sunny Grewal May 7, 2026
SAT or ACT score on hand? Learn how to use Common Data Set sections C7 and C9 to decide if you should submit it.
By Sunny Grewal May 5, 2026
Bay Area UC admit rates shifted dramatically from 2019 to 2025. See the outliers, the district patterns, and what the data actually tells families.
By Joy Mercado May 2, 2026
Bay Area families who start college planning in 7th grade report less stress and better outcomes. Here's what early planning actually looks like.
By Joy Mercado May 1, 2026
StrivePath students earn an average of $35,000 in merit scholarships. Here's why it happens and how Bay Area families can position for the same results.
By Joy Mercado April 30, 2026
UC application tips for Bay Area students in 2026. Expert advice on Personal Insight Questions, balanced college lists, and activities sections from StrivePath.
By G. Sunny Grewal, Founder, StrivePath April 25, 2026
UC Berkeley's headline 11% admit rate hides a brutal truth — admit rates by major range from 4% (Haas) to 25% (Humanities), and the gap has widened every year since 2019. Explore 7 years of UC admissions data by campus and discipline.
By Joy Mercado April 2, 2026
StrivePath's 2026 guide for Lamorinda families covers testing strategy, AI in admissions, CSU Direct Admission, and what still matters most for UC applicants.
By Joy Mercado April 1, 2026
StrivePath's guide for San Mateo Peninsula families covers UC PIQ strategy, course selection, summer planning, and what makes the SMUHSD applicant pool unique.