As you embark on your final year of high school, it’s crucial to stay organized and focused on your college application process. This comprehensive timeline will guide you through the essential steps to ensure you’re well-prepared for your college journey.

September

  • Register for the SAT and/or ACT if you haven’t taken them or want to improve your scores. Remember, your school counselor can assist with fee waivers if needed.
  • Review sample college applications to familiarize yourself with the information you’ll need to provide.
  • Consult your school counselor to confirm you’re on track to graduate and meet college admission requirements.
  • Take advantage of opportunities to learn about colleges:
    • Meet with college representatives visiting your school
    • Attend local college fairs
    • Visit college campuses
  • Narrow down your list of potential colleges and gather information about their application and financial aid processes.
  • Create a detailed checklist and calendar to track:
    • Standardized test dates
    • College application deadlines
    • Financial aid deadlines
    • Required materials (recommendations, essays, etc.)

October

  • Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1st. This form is crucial for determining your eligibility for federal funds, and many colleges and states use it for distributing grants.
  • Be aware that some colleges have early deadlines this month (rolling, priority, early decision, and early action).
  • If college application fees are a concern, ask your counselor about fee waiver options.
  • Finalize your college essay(s). Many institutions require at least one essay with your application.
  • Request personal recommendations from teachers, school counselors, or employers.
  • Research scholarship opportunities:
    • Consult your counselor
    • Check with your prospective colleges
    • Inquire with local religious and civic groups
  • Remember: Never pay for scholarship information.

November-December

  • Complete and submit any early decision or early action applications due this month. Have a trusted adult review your application before submission.
  • Follow your school’s procedure for sending transcripts to colleges.
  • Ensure that testing companies have sent your scores directly to the colleges you’re applying to.
  • Start organizing regular decision applications and financial aid forms due in January and February.
  • Register for the January SAT (the last one most colleges will consider for seniors).
  • Be aware that many selective colleges have application deadlines as early as January 1st, with others later in January and February.
  • Consider registering for the February ACT if needed (some colleges may still consider these scores).

January

  • Request that your guidance office send first semester transcripts to the schools where you’ve applied.

February-May

  • As acceptance letters and financial aid offers arrive,
    • Review your acceptances carefully
    • Compare financial aid packages
    • Visit your top choices one last time if possible
  • Maintain your academic performance. Colleges will want to see your second-semester transcript.
    • Notify your school counselor
    • Send in your deposit by the May 1st postmark date
    • Accept your financial aid offer and follow the provided instructions
    • Inform the schools you won’t be attending of your decision
  • Please request to send your final transcript to your chosen college.
  • If you’re wait-listed at your preferred college:
    • Visit the campus if possible
    • Contact the admission office to express your continued interest
    • Inquire about ways to strengthen your application

By following this timeline, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the college application process successfully. Remember to stay organized, meet deadlines, and seek help when needed. Good luck with your college applications!

For more information on college admissions and financial aid, visit the following resources: