Begin to build a strong grade point average by making good grades.
Build strong academic, language, mathematics and thinking skills by taking challenging courses.
Did you form a strong bond with a teacher this year? Why not ask the teacher for a recommendation comment for your college file.
Did you excel in a particular course? Why not take the SAT II in that discipline – put it on “score choice” so you get to see your score before you send it to the colleges of your choice.
It is not too early to begin researching scholarship opportunities.
Sophomore Year
Continue to build a strong grade point average.
Focus on academic preparation and continue to develop basic skills.
Continue to collect teacher recommendations.
Take SAT II’s as you successfully complete courses.
If you have not started taking a Foreign Language yet, begin now!
Take the PSAT in mid October.
Junior Year
Continue to keep your grades up!
Elect to take the PSAT again in October to prepare for the SAT and possibly qualify for a National Merit Scholarship!
Research colleges. Make sure you are taking the right courses. Find out if they require certain SAT II’s subject tests.
Should you take Economics and Government? Some schools require/highly recommend them.
Take the SAT and ACT tests in March, May, or June
If you want to play college sports, register for the NCAA Clearinghouse in the Spring. Registration must include your Junior year grades.
Visit colleges this year as there will be little time during your Senior year!
Consider taking a third year of Foreign Language – most colleges encourage it and some require it!
Senior Year
Fall
Take the ACT, SAT, and SAT II’s!
Pay close attention to Details and Deadlines!
Draft your essay early! Don’t let it hold up your application!
Ask teachers (at least one or two) for recommendation letters early! Hopefully you have been collecting them throughout your high school career.
Schedule College Interviews.
Send for College Applications in early Fall.
Attend College and Financial Aid Fairs.
September
Does your college require a Secondary School Report? If they require a counselor recommendation, schedule a meeting with your counselor as soon as possible. Ask at least 3 teachers/boss/minister etc. to write a quote for your SSR form.
Prepare a checklist of test registration deadlines, fees, test dates, and college application deadlines.
Does your college require SAT II’s?
October
If you are planning to complete an Early-Decision/Early-Action College Application or Scholarship – Remember – most are due to the colleges between November 1st and December 15th.
Register for all tests required by the colleges to which you are applying.
Do your colleges require the PROFILE Financial Aid application?
Go on College interviews.
December
Obtain Institutional Financial Aid forms from the colleges to which you are applying. Check with these colleges regarding additional forms they may require.
Double check deadlines! All applications for regular admission should be sent no later than mid-January.
Decisions have been made concerning Early-Decision applications.
Release and send all of your test scores to your perspective colleges directly from the applicable testing agency.
You will need your parents most recently completed Income Tax returns or W-2 forms in order to complete Financial Aid forms.
Complete and mail FAFSA (financial aid) as soon as possible after January 1st.
Fill out Mid Year Transcript Request forms so that your high school can mail out your updated January Transcript if your college requires a “Mid-Year Report”.
Mail complete Institutional Financial Aid applications.
February – April
Colleges respond to students. If eligible, students begin to receive Financial Aid packages.
May
May 1st: You must accept admission to one, and only one, college by May 1st. Colleges exchange acceptance lists. You must not double deposit. If you do, you may forfeit your acceptances at both colleges. Please be considerate of students on wait lists. Notify colleges to which you have been accepted, and do not wish to attend, that you are declining their offer of acceptance.
