Junior Year
Start learning about the college process and take at least one SAT this year.
September:
Sign up to take the PSAT/NMSQT
October:
Take the PSAT/NMSQT
Go to college fairs in your area
November:
Do college searches
Go on tours of college campuses
December:
Make a college file. Keep your college search, test information, and application information in it.
Review your scores from the PSAT/NMSQT. Where do you need more work?
January:
Start a scholarship search
Learn about financial aid
Memorize your social security number
February:
Find out if you should take SAT II: Subject Tests. Talk to your counselor or mentor to find out. SAT II scores need to be released to colleges before October.
List all your activities, work experiences, awards, etc.
March:
Register for the May SAT
Start looking for summer programs
Register for college preparatory classes in your senior year
Make a list of your top choice colleges. Request additional information from them
April:
Continue your college search
Start thinking of a topic for your personal statements
Prepare for AP exams if applicable
May:
Take the SAT
Take AP tests if applicable
Make a resume
June:
If you're interested in ROTC or military academies, talk to your counselor before leaving for the summer
Get a summer reading list from a teacher
July and August - Keep an active summer:
Work to pay for college
Attend a summer program
Read to improve your vocabulary
Senior Year
You'll want to take the SAT at least once again this year. Try to avoid Senioritis.
September:
Categorize your colleges into "safety," "target," and "reach" schools.
Review your transcript
Request applications
Take SAT practice exams
October:
Finalize your list of colleges to apply to
Work on your personal statement. Have people critique it.
Submit Early Action and Early Decision applications
Revise your resume. Add senior year activities and classes.
Start filling out the CSS Profile if your college requires it for financial aid
November:
Meet deadlines for Early Action or Early Decision
Find out your high school's application processing procedure
Meet your high school's application deadlines
December:
Finish your applications including Teacher Recommendations and School Reports
Try to submit your applications far before the deadline
January:
Continue scholarship searches
Continue applying for scholarships and meet deadlines
February:
Make sure your colleges have received all materials
Keep working hard in your classes
March:
Keep up the scholarship and financial aid search
April:
Prepare for AP exams if necessary
Revisit colleges that accepted you
Review your financial aid packages; speak with the college's financial aid officers if necessary.
May and June:
Notify the college you will attend of your decision
Send the deposit to your school is necessary
Notify colleges you will not attend of your choice
Request a final transcript to be sent to the college you will attend
Thank your teachers and counselors that wrote recommendations for you
July and August:
Work to pay for college
Attend orientation meetings for your college
