HIAWATHA, IOWA  — It may feel like senior year just started, but October is already an important planning month for students preparing for life after graduation.

Applications are opening. Deadlines are approaching. FAFSA season has begun. Scholarship opportunities are appearing.

But not every senior is headed to the same destination.

Whether a student is considering college, an apprenticeship, career training, military service or another pathway, ICAN encourages seniors to use the fall to turn exploration into action.

“Senior year can quickly become a collection of deadlines,” said Erick Danielson , Vice President of Programs at ICAN. “Having a plan helps students focus on the decisions that matter instead of feeling like everything has to happen at once.”

Here are five things seniors should be doing now.

1. Finalize Your Options

Students don't necessarily need to know exactly where they're going yet, but they should be narrowing their possibilities.

Research colleges, apprenticeships, training programs, military opportunities or other pathways that align with your career interests and goals.

Ask yourself: What am I considering, why does it fit me and what do I need to do to pursue it?

2. Know Your Requirements and Deadlines

Every pathway has different requirements.

College-bound students should understand application and scholarship deadlines, admission requirements and any additional requirements for specific programs.

Students pursuing apprenticeships, training or other opportunities should research application processes, eligibility requirements and timelines as well.

Create one place to keep track of deadlines so something important doesn't get missed.

3. Complete the FAFSA

Students planning to pursue eligible education or training after high school should complete the FAFSA to determine what federal financial aid may be available.

Students and families should also begin thinking about the larger financial picture: What will the program cost? What resources are available? What might the student or family need to contribute?

4. Keep Searching for Scholarships

Scholarships aren't something students should search for once and forget.

New opportunities and deadlines appear throughout senior year. Students should make scholarship searching part of their regular routine and pay attention to local, institutional and statewide opportunities in addition to national scholarships.

5. Keep Exploring

Submitting an application doesn't mean the research is over.

Visit campuses. Talk with current students. Tour training facilities. Ask about apprenticeships. Explore careers. Compare costs. Talk with professionals.

Students are making an important decision, and it's okay to keep asking questions.

“Students don't have to have every detail figured out in October,” Danielson said. “But this is the time to start taking action so they have good options to choose from later.”

ICAN provides free career, college and financial aid advising and resources to help Iowa students and families navigate senior-year planning. Learn more or schedule an appointment at [LINK].

About ICAN

ICAN is a nonprofit, educational organization. ICAN is the College Access Network for Iowa, and a member of the National College Access Network (NCAN). ICAN has locations in Ankeny, Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City, which provide programming and advising support to students and their families as they plan for education and training after high school. All ICAN programs and services are provided without charge. For more information about ICAN, call (877) 272-4692 or visit www.ICANsucceed.org.