What you should be doing
in preparation for college

Fall

• Take the most challenging course of study available
• Join clubs and activities in area of interest
• Build relationships with peers, teachers, counselors, activity moderators and employers
• Select a service area to be a part of
• Develop good study habits

Spring

• Job shadow or participate in career day, if possible
• Begin constructing a resume
• Discuss post high school plans with parent/guardians
• Begin to discuss college costs with parents/guardians

Students should keep up with College and Universities admissions requirements since these requirements vary per school and can differ each year. The best way to do this is to make an appointment with a college advisor and request school information to include a current catalog.

What you should be doing
in preparation for college

Fall

• Take the most challenging course of study available
• Begin to look for leadership roles in clubs/activities
• Continue development of service activity
• Strengthen relationships with peers, teachers, counselors, activity moderators, and employers-they will be writing recommendations for you down the road!
• Testing
• Take the PSAT
• Go to college fairs
• Continue working on study habits and note-taking skills

Spring

• Job shadow or participate in career day, if possible
• Refine/Revise/Update your resume. Keep it simple!
• Continue discussing post high school plans with parent/guardians
• Review cost factors for college and investigate options

Students should keep up with College and Universities admissions requirements since these requirements vary per school and can differ each year. The best way to do this is to make an appointment with a college advisor and request school information to include a current catalog.

What you should be doing
in preparation for college

Fall

• Take the most challenging academic program available
• Demonstrate leadership and responsibility in community and school
• Begin a list of colleges
• Gather career information - job shadow or see if your school offers a career day
• Make the most out of your part time job
• Talk with college reps and ask them questions
• Attend evening information sessions about college that occur in your area
• Go to college fairs
• Discuss testing plan with your counselor
• Register, prepare for, and take the PSAT/NMSQT
• Check out free scholarship searches
• Make college visits if your high school permits them
• Begin to consider which teachers, moderators, or employers you might use if you need recommendations
• Continue talking with your parents/guardians about your plans

March

• Request information from colleges
• SAT offered
• Spring Break - visit colleges
• Research scholarship opportunities
• Continue discussing college finances with parents/guardians
• Arrange to meet with College Advisors.

April

• ACT offered
• Attend college fairs
• Athletes - sign up with NCAA Clearinghouse
• Athletes- get NCAA Guide
• Look for summer job opportunities

June-August

• ACT offered
• SAT Reasoning Test
• SAT Subject Tests
• Update resume
• Save summer earnings for college
• Request private scholarship applications

Students should keep up with College and Universities admissions requirements since these requirements vary per school and can differ each year. The best way to do this is to make an appointment with a college advisor and request school information to include a current catalog.

What you should be doing
in preparation for college

September

• Talk with College Advisors
• Visit college representatives at your school
• Request college info (including financial aid/housing)
• Begin to file rolling admission/regular decision apps
• Keep copies of apps and forms sent to colleges
• Write essays/line up recommendations (if needed)
• Send test scores and transcripts to college
• Request financial aid applications from colleges
• Keep checklist - MEET DEADLINES!

October

• Finish early decision applications
• ACT offered

December

• ACT offered December 8th
• Receive Early Admission/Early Decision I decisions
• Finish Regular Decision and Rolling Admission Applications

January

• Send mid-year reports, if necessary
• Rank schools where you've applied for preference
• Get all financial documents in order
• Complete FAFSA before February 1, if possible
• Attend local financial aid information night, if available

April

• Visit schools where accepted, if needed
• Make final decision - mail deposit to ONE school
• Notify, in writing, all schools of your choice
• If wait listed, contact admissions office if still interested
• Contact financial aid office if you have any special financial aid circumstances
• Make sure you meet all financial aid requirements
• Notify colleges of any private scholarship awards

May-June

• Request final transcript to be sent to college
• Follow procedure for college housing and orientation
• Analyze projected first year college budget
• Check banking option in college town

Students should keep up with College and Universities admissions requirements since these requirements vary per school and can differ each year. The best way to do this is to make an appointment with a college advisor and request school information to include a current catalog.