If You’re a Junior or Senior, Read This Before March Is Over

March is a weird month in the college planning world. Winter is technically over, spring is just a few weeks away, and school suddenly feels… like an afterthought? (It’s not. Sorry.)

But behind the scenes, March is a big deal for college planning. Decisions are starting to roll in, financial aid season is heating up, and juniors should be laying some important groundwork before summer sneaks up on them.

Whether you’re a junior just starting to feel the pressure or a senior knee-deep in decisions, here’s what you should be focusing on this month.

For High School Juniors:

1. Start building (or cleaning up) your college list

March is the perfect time to revisit your college list with fresh eyes. Ask yourself:

• Do these schools still feel like a good fit?
• Do I actually meet the academic requirements?
• Are these schools realistic financially?

Try to aim for a balanced list with reach, match, and likely schools. And remember: a long school list doesn’t automatically mean better.  A thoughtful list is best. Here are some things to consider when choosing a college.

Pro tip: Start paying attention to net price calculators on college websites. Sticker price is scary, but it’s not the whole story.

2. Lock in Spring & Summer testing plans

If standardized testing is part of your plan, now’s the time to:

• Register for spring SAT or ACT dates
• Decide if you’ll retest
• Make a light (but consistent) study plan

March is also a great month to decide if you’re going test-optional and for which schools. This isn’t about doing what your friends are doing; it’s about what makes your application stronger.

3. Start thinking about recommendation letters

You don’t need to ask for letters yet, but you do need to be strategic. Think about:

• Which teachers know you best?
• Who can speak to your growth, effort, or personality?

Wondering who you should ask? Lucky for you, we have a blog all about it.

Use the rest of the school year to stay engaged, participate, and show up. You'll be glad you planned this in advance (trust me).

For High School Seniors:

4. Compare college decisions (beyond just vibes)

By March, many seniors are starting to hear back from colleges. You may have gotten multiple acceptances (congrats! 🥳). It’s all exciting and can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that you have to make a decision.

When comparing schools, look at:

• Academic programs
• Campus support services
• Location and campus culture
• Graduation and retention rates

Yes, vibes matter. But vibes + facts = better decisions.

5. Have real conversations about paying for college

This is the month to sit down (yes, actually sit down) and talk about:

• Family contributions
• Financial aid expectations
• Loans and repayment basics

College is a multi-year financial commitment. Understanding the plan now can save you a lot of stress later.

6. Financial aid letters deserve a closer look

Financial aid award letters can be confusing, misleading, and honestly... a bit painful to look at.  When reviewing offers, make sure you understand:

• Scholarships vs. grants vs. loans
• Federal vs. private loans
• What’s free money, and what needs to be repaid
• Understanding there will be unlisted costs outside of tuition and housing

Don’t assume the school with the biggest scholarship is the cheapest option. Comparing offers side by side is key, and this is one area where getting help can make a huge difference.

Need some 1-on-1 support breaking down your aid award? Our team of experienced advisors are here to help: 

7. Can you appeal for financial aid?

If your financial aid offer doesn’t feel doable, you may be able to appeal, especially if:

• Your family’s financial situation has changed
• You received a better offer from a similar school
• The FAFSA doesn’t reflect your current circumstances

Appeals aren’t guaranteed, but they are worth exploring. March is the time to ask questions.

8. Keep an eye on deadlines (they’re sneaky)

March comes with a lot of important dates:

• Financial aid and scholarship deadlines
• Housing deposits
• Scholarship applications

Missing a deadline can cost you money or your spot. Put everything in a calendar. Set reminders. Tell your parents. Tell your phone. Tell your dog.

9. Apply for scholarships like it’s a part-time job

March is a great month to:

• Search for local scholarships
• Apply to monthly or rolling scholarships
• Reuse and refine essays

A few applications a week add up fast, and every dollar helps.

Looking to get matched with the perfect local scholarship? You need to check out rischolarships.org!

It's all about progress over perfection

March doesn’t require you to have everything figured out, but it does reward taking action.

No matter where you are in the process, remember: college planning isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about taking the next right step, asking questions, and using the support available to you.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed? Totally normal. You’re probably doing more right than you think.