Senior Year College Planning Guide
Ready or not, it’s here. It's time to put your best foot forward and get yourself out there in college application world. The hard work, late nights, meetings with your advisor, and researching the best school for you has been leading up to this. Let's GO!
Haven’t started yet? It’s okay. You've still got time, and there’s no time like the present.
But don’t delay. It's time to get started.
Senior year is going to fly by. So take a deep breath, exhale, and let’s dive in. The rest of your story starts here. We can't wait to connect with you!
Summer Before Senior Year
- Organize and track college deadlines, and review application requirements for each. The UO has the following application deadlines:
- Aug 1 - Application opens
- Nov 1 - Early Action deadline
- Jan 15 - Regular Decision deadline
- Start the application process. UO has our own application, or you can fill out the Common Application.
- Explore scholarships and make plans to apply for as many as possible. Bonus: check out the Duck Tuition Guarantee. Fixed tuition for up to five years? Yes please.
Fall Senior Year
- Register for campus tours and Duck Preview.
- Submit your Early Action application by Nov 1 if you want a decision by Jan 5.
- Apply for scholarships.
- Ask teachers, counselors, or community members to write letters of recommendation. These are optional for UO admissions.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible. The FAFSA opens Oct 1.
- Stay committed to your grades! Remember, schools will ask for updated grades throughout the application process. Keep your eyes on the prize.
Winter Senior Year
- UO Housing opens Dec 1. Explore your options and get registered.
- Submit Regular Decision applications by Jan 15. Update self-reported academic records with fall term grades.
- Complete and submit the FAFSA by the priority deadline of Mar 1.
- Continue to research and apply for scholarships.
- Maintain your grades. No “senior-itis” here—this last year matters more than ever!
Spring Senior Year
- The decisions are in and it’s getting real. Time to visit your finalists as an admitted student! There’s nothing like an in-person visit to get the feeling of campus, the academic opportunities, and the overall vibe. Imagine calling the UO home for the next four years!
- Organize, review and compare your admissions decisions and financial aid offers.
- Do your best on any final AP or IB classes.
- Submit your Intent to Register (ITR) through your Application Status Portal by May 1 to confirm your enrollment.
- Register for mandatory UO orientation, IntroDUCKtion.
Summer After Senior Year
- Finalize registration and visit details for IntroDUCKtion, UO’s required orientation for all incoming students with select dates from July to August.
- Send your “thanks but no thanks” to all those other colleges. You’re a Duck!
- Select a roommate through the housing portal.
- Send final transcripts by Jul 15 to the Office of Admissions.
- Get ready to come to Eugene.
Chloe Montague
Grad year: 2024
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Area of study: advertising major, multimedia design minor
Fav UO class: TBD
Chloe poses on the Hayward Field track with a World Athletics bib several minutes after finishing her final night working at the World Athletics Championships. During the 10 days of the championships in July 2022, she worked on the World Athletics social media team—producing photos, taking fan videos, and editing graphics with Photoshop. The experience even landed her a sweet gig with World Athletics in Budapest this summer!
Sebastián Ibáñez Sanhueza
Grad year: 2025
Hometown: Talcahuano, Chile
Area of study: biology major, chemistry minor
Fav UO class: Latinx/e Testimonios with Catalina de Onís. That’s one of the classes that shaped me and what I want to do.
Meet Sebastián, a true change-maker from the Clark Honors College. Since sophomore year, he's been a superhero at the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, the only completely free clinic in Lane County, Oregon. He even helped a patient having a heart attack get timely care, proving how crucial his Spanish translation skills are for those without access.
Sebastián's not just about treating symptoms; he’s passionate about solving root problems and building cultural bridges in healthcare. This summer, he's leveling up, working at Eugene Pediatric Associates while applying to med school. His journey, fueled by personal experiences with the healthcare system, drives him to advocate for underserved communities. Add to that his research of Long COVID biomarkers in youth and we’re talking true impact.
Advice for New Ducks
You don’t know what you don’t know. Duck upperclassmen share a few words of wisdom to incoming first-years like you!
But What to Bring?
All first-year students live on campus at the UO, which means you’re conveniently and centrally located to class, friends, food, activities, sporting events, the Rec, and more. But first—what to pack!? Step into the move in day experience with several students as they prepare for the start of their college journey.
What's New on Campus
Two residence halls, the Ballmer Institute campus in Portland, and a look into several majors and schools are just a few of the big new things happening on campus. Check it out!
Visit Campus
Discover what it's really like to be a Duck! Watch The College Tour or come visit campus in person to get an insider’s look at the University of Oregon—where innovation meets community, and every student finds their place. From building ideas in maker spaces to teaming up with faculty on groundbreaking research, you’ll discover how Ducks learn by doing and thrive with support.
