Summer
(Sophomore -
Junior Year) |
- Take May or June SAT II test in subjects that are being completed (e.g., biology).
- Plan junior year classes.
- Finalize summer plans: Job? Summer study? Volunteer work?
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Fall
(Junior Year) |
September:
- Prepare for PSAT.
- Attend college fairs and admissions representative visits.
October:
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Winter
(Junior Year) |
December:
- Receive PSAT scores, discuss strategies, evaluate weak areas.
- Make provisions for test prep.
- Talk to college students home on break.
January:
- Plan SAT/ACT test dates and test prep schedule.
- Begin to make a master list of colleges.
February:
- Write or call colleges to request information.
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Spring
(Junior Year) |
March:
- Plan any spring vacation college visits.
- Create an organizer for all the materials you receive.
April:
- Determine senior year classes.
May:
- Consider whether to take AP (Advanced Placement) courses senior year.
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Summer
(Junior -
Senior Year) |
June:
- Many students take SAT/ACT this month.
July/August:
- Plan summer and fall college visits.
- Request information from additional colleges.
- Study, get a job, do volunteer work.
- Review and update master college list.
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Fall
(Senior Year) |
September:
- Attend college fairs and admissions representative visits.
- Begin to visit colleges and Financial Aid Offices.
- Stay overnight and arrange interviews where possible.
- Request additional information and applications from your college choices.
- Photocopy applications.
October:
- Begin drafting essays.
- Request letters of recommendation and transcripts.
- Create a master schedule of application deadlines.
- Continue to visit colleges.
- Consider Early Decision options.
- Research and apply for scholarships.
November:
- Work on completing essays and applications. Make sure faculty and guidance counselors are up to date on submitting information.
- Obtain Early Financial Aid Application for private schools.
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Winter
(Senior Year) |
November/December:
- Send Early Decision application, if applicable.
- Complete any applications due in January or February.
January:
- Complete ALL applications, even with later and/or rolling deadlines.
- Photocopy everything before you mail it.
- Submit the FAFSA after January 1.
- Ask about deadlines for applying for financial aid for each school/state you are interested in.
- Be sure to indicate on the FAFSA your colleges of interest.
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Spring
(Senior Year) |
March:
- Unless you've received confirmations, contact admissions office to ensure all documents have been received. Track down anything that is missing.
- Try to wait patiently!
- Remember that most financial aid applications are due on or around March 1st.
April:
- Applaud acceptances, put rejections in perspective.
- Plan any visits to campuses that will help finalize decision.
- Contact admissions or financial aid offices with any questions you may have.
- If wait-listed: return response cards, keep in touch with admissions offices, update records, write additional letter or statement.
- Send deposit on time!
- Receive and review your Student Aid Report (SAR).
- Submit IRS tax forms if required by your school's Financial Aid Office. These forms should be submitted as early as possible.
May:
- Take AP exams, if applicable.
- Send thank you notes to ANYONE who has been especially helpful.
- Begin to keep track of housing and registration schedules.
- Make sure final high school transcript is sent to the college you'll attend.
- Plan to enjoy your summer!
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Summer
(after graduation) |
- Parents submit application/promissory note for PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) funds according to your school's Financial Aid Office requirements and deadlines (to cover educational expenses not covered by financial aid).
- Student, if eligible, submits Stafford application/promissory note.
- Return your Student Aid Report (SAR) to your college(s) of choice (if requested).
- Promptly reply to all requests from your school financial aid office.
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