Planning for College

College Planning Guide

Junior Year:

Review with parents, friends, teachers potential Colleges and Universities that you would feel comfortable attending.  Things to consider:

  • Location (Fla, Northeast, Western USA, Southwestern USA, etc)
  • Size (Small, Medium or Large Campus)
  • Athletics (participate or spectator)
  • Cost
  • Urban Campus, Rural Campus, Suburban Campus
  • Potential Major (Business, Engineering, Sciences, Liberal Arts, etc…)

Begin On-line tours and reviews of schools on your potential list.  Make a list of pros and cons of attending each school. 

Set up campus tours and visitation (Spring Break and Summer Break are great times to visit campuses).  Always coordinate with the Admissions Department of each school to set up official tours and potential interviews. 

Timeline:

FALL: 

  • Review PSAT, SAT/ACT Test Dates (also SAT Subject Tests if needed)
  • Develop a Resume. Record your accomplishments, activities, awards, work experiences, and community service projects.
  • If your resume looks light, now is the time to participate and sign up for projects and extra-curricular activities.
  • Begin earnest preparation for SAT or ACT Examinations (this may include outside of school tutoring or preparation class.
  • Possible Dual Enrollment for Spring Semester (usually 1 College Level Class)

JANUARY / FEBRUARY:

  • Register for a Spring SAT or ACT Exam
  • Dual Enrollment (register for Summer College Class).  
  • Begin planning for summer months (College Tours, College Classes, Summer Opportunities on College Campuses {Internships}, Volunteering.

MARCH / APRIL:

  • College and University Lists.  Make a file for each college and gather information about academics, testing requirements, financial aid, and campus life.  Request information and a view-book from the school directly.
  • Begin planning your college visits.  Spring Break is a good time to visit.
  • Finalize your summer plans (job, internship, etc..)
  • Take SAT/ACT examination prior to June.  There are no test given over the summer months.  Last test tends to be first weekend of June.

MAY:

  • Make a list of people that would write letters of recommendation on your behalf. Some schools require a letter outside of the school setting.  

SUMMER:

  • Continue researching Colleges
  • Begin thinking about applications.  College usually open their Application Portals in Early August.  Look at Essay prompt, look at deadlines for applications. Manage this data in your College Files. Are any schools going to be applied for early action?  Those deadlines tend to be in October!
  • Plan on taking SAT/ACT at beginning of school year.
  • Continue any SAT/ACT Preparations you had during Junior Year.  You should be spending 4 hours per week minimum over summer taking practice tests.

SENIOR YEAR:

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

  • Register for SAT/ACT exam. If you didn’t take the exam as a Junior, or if you aren’t satisfied with your score you will want to register for early Fall tests.
  • Take SAT /ACT
  • Create a COMMON APPLICATION account (www.commonapp.org) 
  • Take every opportunity to get to know colleges.  This includes meeting with College Representatives, going to College Fairs, emailing your admissions counselor, formulating campus visits if you haven’t done so.
  • Narrow down your list
  • Create a Checklist and calendar to chart the following:
    • SAT/ACT Exam Dates
    • Exam Registration Deadlines
    • Fees involved in applying to schools
    • College Application Due Dates
    • Financial Aid Forms and Deadlines
    • Other material you need (Transcripts, Letters, essays, etc…)

OCTOBER

  • TAKE SAT / ACT Exam or SAT SUBJECT Exam
  • Research possible scholarships
  • Finalize your college essay
  • Finalize your college choices
  • Request letters of recommendation
  • Some early action applications are due this month
  • Strengthen Community Service
  • Registration for Dual Enrollment needs to be in this month

NOVEMBER

  • Some early action application are due this month
  • Get your transcript with updated courses that you are presently taking and submit to colleges that you are applying to.
  • Make sure SAT / ACT companies send your scores directly to the schools you are applying to.  They only accept scores directly from the SAT / ACT companies.  
  • FAFSA (FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID) will be available this month, but cannot be completed before January 1.  www.fafsa.org

DECEMBER

  • Take SAT / ACT Exam or SAT Subject Test
  • Talk with former students on College Break
  • Watch application deadlines (Many are this month!)

JANUARY

  • Many colleges have January 1 deadline…BE AWARE!
  • Register for February SAT/ACT exam (February may be the last test you are able to take).
  • Time to File your FAFSA online with your parents

FEBRUARY/ MARCH/APRIL

  • Wait…wait….wait…Patience is key!  Sometimes no news is good news.
  • Check scholarship websites
  • Don’t get lazy in class
  • As acceptance letters come in, truly weigh your options and make an informed and educated decision about where you will attend.

MAY

  • May 1 is the date most schools require your commitment and deposit.  ALSO, notify any schools that you are not attending of your decision.  
  • Graduation is the second Thursday of May!   Invite and prepare for this great day!
  • If you are wait-listed contact school and continually get updates.

SUMMER

  • Attend College Orientation (THIS IS A MUST!!!)
  • Choose a roommate and housing.  Most universities have a roommate finder app that helps you find a roommate with compatible interests.
  • READ