1. The College Admission Timeline

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

11. 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.