College Planning Timeline

Get to know your school counselor, check your class rank and GPA, and don’t be afraid to ask questions (they’ve likely heard them all).

Extracurricular activities can help your college admissions application stand out. Look for sports, groups and clubs that match your interests, then join!

All that studying in high school has an important purpose: freshman and sophomore grades are considered by college admissions and also impact your eligibility for some scholarships. It pays to always do your best.

Talk to your parents or guardians about costs. If your high school hosts a financial aid night, attend to learn about financial aid requirements.

Sophomore PSAT scores aren't used for college admission, but they’re great practice. Plus, they get your name on college mailing lists, which is useful for receiving school information.

The PSAT is like a practice test for the SAT. It offers plenty of incentive to bring your A game and if you do well enough, you could be eligible for a National Merit Scholarship.

Keep track of academic and athletic awards, extracurricular feats, community service, and more. This list will be valuable when completing college applications or applying for financial aid.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a great way to pay for college. The program offers substantial scholarships that can cover tuition and a living stipend — if you agree to serve a minimum number of years as a military officer upon graduation.

Know someone who’s just finished their freshman year? Get their take on substantive questions, like “What advice would you give your high school senior self?”

Summer sessions at community colleges or adult education classes are great ways to explore interests or discover new ones. Check with your school counselor to see what’s available in your area.

Determine which classes can put you in a good position for college. Your school counselors will be great resources throughout the college planning process.

Senior year is approaching! Take time to explore college and university websites, attend college fairs and check out informational sessions.

Find out registration deadlines and the exact dates and times of important tests, such as the ACT, SAT and SAT Subject Tests.

Plan visits to colleges you are interested in. This can help you get an overall sense of what you like and dislike as you narrow your choices.

Use an SAT or ACT prep book to experience taking the test from beginning to end. Some high schools even offer prep courses if you’re looking for a little more guidance in your preparation.

As you’ve been doing throughout high school so far, continue to meet with your counselor. Review possible honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses you might take.

You will need recommendation letters when you apply to schools, so beat the rush by contacting teachers, coaches and mentors now. It will be one less thing to worry about in the fall!

If possible, visit your top five choices. If that isn’t on the table, look for virtual tours and check out college forums online. Either way, take the time to gather info—it’ll help you compare options and find your best fit.

Whether through a local community organization or at an accredited college, summer classes can help enhance your transcript and your chance of getting into a competitive college.

Senior year will be a busy one. To stay organized, mark your calendar with important dates — application deadlines, test dates, scholarship deadlines and financial aid seminars.

If you haven’t visited the top colleges you’re considering, make arrangements and get ready to go! Fall is a good time to visit since classes are in session.

Decide on five to 10 prospective college choices. If you haven’t already, download the financial aid forms, and don't forget about any associated application fees, as costs may alter the number you choose to submit.

Submitting an application for an early decision or early action allows you to find out if you have been accepted to a school earlier than regular admission notifications. However, these applications are due earlier: Most deadlines are in October and November.

The college essay is an important part of the application process. Have a teacher or parent proofread your essay and provide feedback.

It’s time! Register and take the ACT, SAT or SAT Subject Tests (which are offered seven times throughout the year). Whatever test it is, request that your results get sent to the school(s) of your choice.

If you haven't already, contact teachers and counselors for recommendation letters or follow up on your current requests.

Mail in your applications or submit them online. Follow up with your counselor to ensure your transcripts and test scores have been sent to the colleges of your choice. You want to confirm everything has been submitted before the beginning of January if you’re applying regular decision.

If you haven’t already, talk with your parents or guardians about what affording school looks like, and start learning more about financial aid opportunities for which you may qualify.

Finish and submit any scholarship applications you’re working on. Check with the schools you’re applying to and find out if they have additional scholarships for which you may qualify.

Make sure that each college you apply to receives the necessary materials: test scores, transcripts, application forms and recommendation letters. In some cases, you can check the status online, or you may call or email the admissions office.

Fill out your FAFSA and submit it as soon as possible after October 1. Some schools require information via an online profile through FAFSA, so be sure to fill that out and submit as needed.

If you have been accepted via early decision, you will need to withdraw your applications from other schools. If you have been accepted via early action, you can either choose to accept or wait for responses from the other schools.

Everything is (or nearly) in place for your post-high school education. With the help of your counselor, keep tabs on remaining deadlines, forms or action items related to your college applications.

About a month after submitting your FAFSA, you’ll receive your Student Aid Report (SAR). Review it for errors and discuss the contribution amount with your parents.

Admission letters will arrive between March and April (for regular decision), followed by financial aid awards. Read each document carefully, as some may require immediate action.

The federal government randomly selects 30% of financial aid applications for verification (e.g., tax returns and W-2s). If you are selected, the colleges you applied to will reach out for those documents.

Review each school’s aid package, if offered, with your parents or guardians. If you have questions, you can speak with the college's financial aid office.

If you haven’t already visited the school you’re considering attending, you should experience life on campus firsthand to fully prepare yourself to make an informed final decision.

Choose the college that’s right for you by May 1 (decision day). Then, submit the corresponding enrollment form (by mail, email or online portal), deposit check and signed financial aid package.

Now that you’ve decided on the one, notify the other schools that accepted you that you’ll be attending elsewhere so they can offer your spot to another student.

Upon accepting a school’s admission offer, you’ll receive a package with information on classes, orientation, housing, and more. Complete any included forms and submit them by the stated deadline.

Many colleges require a final high school transcript. If this applies to you, contact your high school counselor to ensure your transcript is sent.

Thank anyone and everyone who helped during the application process. Showing your appreciation in person or through a note will ensure your supporters will remain fans of yours for years to come.

Get ready for the adventure! Sign up for orientation, find your future living quarters, stock up on essentials, make travel plans and schedule your first-semester courses!

Make sure you stop and appreciate those around you. You want to make the most of the time you have left at home before heading off to school.