College Prep is a crucial and overwhelming time in a high school student’s life. Students already juggle with classes, sports, clubs, homework, and family life. Preparing for college and working on applications is a whole other juggling act.
We have proposed a timeline just for you to help ease your worries and assist you in your college prep juggling act:
FOR SENIORS-
SEPTEMBER
- Visit and do research about your schools of choice.
- Write a list of colleges that you want to apply to. Don’t forget to include schools that are “possible” schools (ones that are challenging to get in) and “safety” schools (ones that are easy for you to get in).
- Request letters of recommendations.
- Schedule an audition (if applicable).
- Fill out your CSS Profile (Private School Financial Aid Form if you are applying to private colleges. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid is to be filled out in January.)
OCTOBER
- Register for State Applications for state schools that do not participate in the common application. Be sure to download supplements to the common application.
- Take last minute SAT Subject Tests or SAT/ACT Tests.
- Finish applications for early decision or early action including supplemental information, essays or DVDs.
- Finish your visit to College campuses.
- Request transcripts.
- Request SAT and ACT scores.
FOR JUNIORS-
September:
- Find a listing of test dates and plan out the year of what tests and when you want to take them. Register early so you can get the location of choice.
- Go talk to your guidance counselor and pepper her/him with questions about colleges and college prep.
October:
- Take the PSATs.
- Visit Colleges and start making your list of schools of interest.
In addition, don’t forget to give yourself extra time to study for the SAT/PSAT/ACT exams, write supplemental essays, and fill out forms. Also, be sure to pay close attention to important deadlines. Finally, visit http://aidscholar.com and start finding some scholarships to aid you in paying for college!
(Photo Credit: College Prep 101)
