Summer
- Continue visiting colleges and narrowing your search.
- Continue to research career options and defining career goals.
- Continue refining your educational resume.
- Participate in activities that would be useful on your resume.
- Consider taking the SAT/ACT at this time. Be sure to send score reports to those schools in which you have interest.
- Sign up for and attend Orientation programs
- Prepare for the year ahead!
Fall
- Narrow your college list to 2-5.
- Make a master calendar for the year.
- Test dates, fees, and registration deadlines.
- College application due dates.
- Financial Aid deadlines
- Your high school’s deadlines for transcripts, etc.
- Begin writing application essays and/or requesting recommendations only if the colleges request them.
- Take the SAT/ACT. Be sure to send score reports to those schools in which you have interest.
- Attend Financial Aid events in your area. You can also use internet resources to find additional information on Financial Aid.
- Mail out your applications. Remember that many institutions also allow you to apply online.
- Make copies of everything you send.
- Request your transcripts to be sent as well.
- Many colleges have Early Action or Early Decision that usually have an early November deadline.
- If you are going to live on campus, ask about the process of applying to housing.
- Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss senior-year preparations for college (e.g., admissions requirements and applications, financial aid applications, scholarship applications, etc.)
Winter
- January 1st: The Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available.
- Some colleges have separate Financial Aid applications that are usually due in February. Contact individual colleges to find out their requirements.
Spring
- As acceptance packets come in, begin making your final decision.
- Compare Financial Aid offers.
- Once you decide on a college, let them know you are choosing to attend. If you were accepted to others, tell them of your decision not to attend as well. Some schools require tuition and/or housing deposits.
- If you are put on a waiting list, you may want to look at the other schools to which you were accepted.
- Ask your high school to send your final transcript.