APRIL/MAY (Junior Year):
¨ Sign up for the ACT and/or SAT test (U) sat.collegeboard.org or services.actstudent.org
§ Do you qualify for a fee waiver? Do you need/want to take both?
¨ What test/scores do you need to get into the college of your choice?
¨ Take the ACT/SAT Prep Class – see your counselor for details
MAY/JUNE:
¨ Take the ACT and/or SAT test (U)
¨ Begin scholarship search; list specific requirements and deadlines (U/CC) what do you need?
§ Letters of Recommendation, Essays, FAFSA
§ Visit or research the colleges/institutions you are interested in attending (U/CC)
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER:
¨ Continue working as hard in your senior year as you have the other three; stay out of trouble!
¨ Check your transcripts: Have you earned all of the required credits for high school graduation?
¨ Register for Oct/Nov SAT or ACT if you haven’t already taken them (U)
¨ Look at your list of colleges: Is this still where you want to go?
§ Make a list of important deadlines – don’t miss them (U/CC)
¨ Start getting your teacher recommendations together! (U/CC)
§ Choose wisely (Don’t pick teachers you didn’t get along with)
§ See additional papers (How to ask for Letters of Recommendation and Personal Profile)
§ Complete your Personal Profile to help person writing your recommendation
§ Give your recommenders at least 2 weeks’ notice and provide stamped addressed envelope
§ Give them a deadline (give yourself a few days cushion)
¨ Early admission applications are frequently due between October 1st and November 1st
§ Guaranteed seat in that incoming freshman cohort
§ 1st to choose dorm, 1st pick for classes and early orientation may be available
OCTOBER:
¨ Continue your scholarship search (U/CC)
¨ Begin to write (if not already started) any essays to be included with your college applications.
§ Ask your English teacher to proofread your essays (U)
¨ Narrow down your college list (U/CC)
§ Which two/three are you most realistically interested in and believe you may actually attend?
¨ Double-check your deadlines checklist; are you still meeting them all?
¨ Retake SAT/ACT tests if needed (U) sat.collegeboard.org or services.actstudent.org
NOVEMBER:
¨ Tour the campus(es) of your choice, preferably on a day they have school so you can see other students/activities on campus.
¨ Make phone calls to campuses with questions that need to be clarified – the campus information desk usually can answer your questions or transfer you to the department that can also answer your questions
¨ Decide: Is this where you want to spend the next four years?
¨ Submit your college admission applications. (U)
§ Do you need to send them anything?
§ Is there an application fee? Are waivers available check with your counselor?
§ Request that an official transcript from the MV records office be sent to your college(s).
¨ Send official SAT/ACT scores directly from the testing agency to all of your college choices.
DECEMBER:
¨ Your early decision replies usually arrive between December 1st and 31st
¨ Schedule any interviews that may be necessary for college acceptance
¨ Apply for a PIN number for FAFSA (both you and your parents must have a PIN)
§ Contact the admissions office of the colleges to which you have applied to make sure they have everything they need from you.
WINTER BREAK:
¨ Search for more scholarships and actually apply
¨ Continue checking off those due dates and stay on top of your grades!!! J
{Relax: you’re almost there!}
JANUARY:
¨ Complete and submit your college financial aid application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between January 1 and February 15. Make sure your parents have completed their income tax forms in anticipation of the financial aid applications. In order to be considered for financial aid, you will need to submit these forms even if you have not yet been notified of your acceptance to the colleges to which you applied. (U/CC)
¨ Go to FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov
§ You should never be asked to pay a fee to complete your FAFSA!
¨ When you choose a college that has accepted you, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit for freshman tuition (this should ensure your place in the entering freshman class) as well as look into any enrollment fees. (U)
FEBRUARY:
¨ If you completed the FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks.
¨ Complete any final scholarship applications.
¨ Contact the financial aid office of the colleges to which you have applied to make sure that they have everything they need from you.
¨ Apply for admission to the community college. (CC)
MARCH-APRIL:
¨ You should hear from the colleges as to whether or not you are accepted no later than April 15. (U)
¨ Contact your college to determine when fees for tuition, room and board are due and amounts.
¨ Compare your acceptance letters, financial aid and scholarship offers to determine how much more money you still need. Consider loans carefully. (U)
¨ Take placement tests for your college of choice (U/CC). Meet with an advisor if possible.
MAY:
¨ Take AP exams for all AP subjects you are taking.
¨ You should make a decision by May 1 as to which college you will be attending and notify the school by mailing your commitment deposit check. Many schools have enrollment deadlines-keep track of dates.
¨ If you were placed on a waiting list for a particular college, and have decided to wait for an opening, contact that college and let them know you are still very interested. (U)
¨ Register for orientation. (U/CC)
JUNE:
¨ Complete an 8th semester transcript request form at the MV records office, so your final transcripts are sent to the college you will be attending. (U/CC)
SUMMER AFTER SENIOR YEAR:
¨ Participate in any summer orientation programs and register for fall classes, if you haven’t already done so.