The College Admission Timeline

Outline Breakdown of each year – Fall, Winter, Spring Resources available to both students and parents Conclusion Q&A

Freshman & Sophomore Year Meet with your Guidance Counselor - Get to know your counselor so they can work with you to make sense of your college and career options. Get Involved – Join clubs and organizations both in and outside of school. Staying on track academically- Continue that focus on your courses that started in your freshmen year.

Junior Year: Fall/ Winter Take the PSAT- Taking the PSAT qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship and it’s great practice for the SAT. Make a college list- The colleges should meet your criteria ex. size, location, cost, majors or special programs. Gather more information- Attend college fairs, college nights as well as speak with admissions representatives when they visit your school. Organize your college search- Make sure to keep all the helpful information you’ve gathered in an organized system.

Junior Year: Spring Set your senior schedule- Talk with your counselor about the right classes for your senior year. Set your letters of recommendation now- Identify and contact the teachers you have had a chance to get to know and have seen you progress throughout high school. Standardize test - Look at test dates that are offered in late spring early summer. Set up visits to your top colleges- Contact the admissions office for the colleges on your list.

Junior Year: Summer Visit Colleges- Visit the schools on your list that have the factors your looking for. Organize your information- Make sure you have a list of all deadlines. Test Prep: Take this summer to prep for the fall SAT or ACT.

Senior Year: Fall Finalize your College list: Set a list of the schools you will apply to. Talk with your Counselor: Discuss the list of colleges you plan to apply. Take standardized test: Going off of your testing plan, register and take the SAT, ACT or SAT subject test. Submit FAFSA: This is needed by all students who want to be eligible for federal aid. The forms are available to be sent after October 1st. Deadlines: Be sure to keep track of deadlines for application, scholarship programs and when you need to request information to be sent from your guidance department.

Senior Year: Winter Follow up: If you applied Early Action or Early Decision you should be getting word back around now. Senior year grades: Some schools might request mid year or first quarter grades.

Senior Year: Spring Keep an eye on the mail: Make sure to be aware of notification from colleges. Compare financial aid packages: Once you have all the decisions along with financial aid and scholarship awards you have the full picture of each school. Make the final decision: Once you have weighed out all your options notify your first choice school. The deadline intent to enroll is May 1st.

Resources www.petersons.com www.finaid.org www.studentaid.ed.gov www.nacanet.org

Conclusion Start early: Starting the college discussion early can only help. Take advantage of resources: Your guidance counselor, local library, internet, admissions staff. Put your best foot forward: By hitting the ground early in school and getting involved you set yourself up for success. Don’t be afraid to ask questions: We are hear to help.