College Timeline

Shauna Hines
Staff Writer

Working hard, getting good grades, and participating in extracurricular activities are all important aspects of the high school experience. They are also crucial when applying to college. The trick is knowing when to do certain essential items. Here is a guideline to help with the stressful application season.

 

Senior Year

Early Decision/Action-

Early decision- You can only apply to one school. This is a good choice if you have explored all your options and know which college is the one for you. These colleges are “binding” if accepted, meaning you must attend that college upon acceptance.

Early action- You may apply to as many schools as you wish. With this option, you may accept or decline an offer of acceptance. You can wait until the spring to make your final decision.

·   September: Write the first drafts of essays; read and begin revision. Register to retake the October Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)/American College Test (ACT)/Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Subject Tests because this is the last date that colleges will consider standardized testing scores. If applicable, request an application fee waiver from your guidance counselor.

·   October: Request and send SAT/ACT/Subject Test scores and transcripts to colleges, and finalize your application essays. Request recommendation letters from teacher(s) and your guidance counselor at least one month before letters are due.

Give the recommendation writer a packet of materials which includes:

•     College guidelines for recommendation letters and any required forms
•     A list of your extracurricular activities and achievements
•     A solid draft of your essay
•   Stamped envelope(s) addressed to the correlating college admissions office

Later in the month, remind and confirm with teachers and counselors that all materials have been sent to the school(s) to which you are applying. Getting everything turned in on time is your responsibility.  

·    November: Applications are typically due November 1, but check with schools for specific deadlines. Complete the CSS Profile and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Both forms are related to financial aid.

·   December: Colleges will notify you of their admission decisions

 

Regular Decision-

·   September: Request applications and check deadlines, application costs, and essay question general format. Register for re-takes of SAT /ACT and SAT Subject Tests if necessary.

·   October: Continue working on essays and request recommendation letters from teacher(s) and your guidance counselor at least one month before they are due.

Give the recommendation writer a packet of materials which includes:

•     College guidelines for recommendation letters and any required forms
•     A list of your extracurricular activities and achievements
•     A solid draft of your essay
•     Stamped envelope(s) addressed to the correlating college admissions office

·   November: Request and send transcripts to colleges, along with SAT/ACT/Subject Test scores. Also, request an application fee waiver from your guidance counselor and finalize your application essays.

·   December: Confirm with teachers and counselors that all materials have been sent to the school(s) to which you are applying.

Post Application-

·   January: Apply for financial aid by submitting FAFSA and scholarship applications.

·   April: Colleges will notify you of their admissions decisions and possible financial aid offers.

·   May: Notify colleges into which you are accepted of your final decision.

·   June: Fill out all forms the college sends you. These may include financial aid forms, course forms, requests for board and meal plan preferences, and any other forms. Most importantly, enjoy the summer vacation and prepare for college.

Junior Year 

It is never too early to start planning for college.

January to June

·   Start to study and take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)/American College Test (ACT)/Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Subject Tests. You do not have to take both the SAT and ACT, but you may find that one test works better with you than the other. Also, SAT Subject Tests are not always a part of college requirements.

·   Come up with a list of colleges you may want to attend. Explore the schools majors and other areas of interest such as athletic programs, studying abroad, and clubs.

·   Visit colleges during spring break and over the summer. This may help when deciding whether to apply early.