The Complete College Application Timeline for High Schoolers

When should you start planning your college applications?

Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior in high school, it isn’t too late! Take a look at this list to help keep yourself on track.

COLLEGE APPLICATION TIMELINE

9^th Grade

10^th Grade

11^th Grade

Work hard in all of your classes.
Take the PSAT or ACT Aspire.
Make a testing plan for when you’ll take the SAT or ACT. Allow for retests.
Start SAT or ACT test prep.
Continue extracurricular activities.
Research colleges in college guides both in print and online
Register for SAT or ACT in winter or spring of junior year.
Register for SAT Subject tests, if applicable.
Create a long-list of 15 to 20 colleges you’re considering
Consider selectivity and cost
Save samples of your best academic work
Start thinking about summer plans (internship, job, camp, program, etc.)
Narrow your long-list down to a short-list (based on visits, selectivity, your scores, finances, happiness, etc.)
Consult with your counselor about your college list and college recommendations
Ask two teachers to write recommendations
Artists, complete any audition tapes, art portfolios, theatre audition pieces, or special materials required for admission or scholarship consideration at prospective schools
Athletes, if you hope to play Division I or II sports in college, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Visit colleges over the summer if possible
Begin work on college essays. Try to have your Personal Essay in good shape by the beginning of your senior year
Read!

12^th Grade

FALL

Finalize list of the 8 to 10 schools to which you’ll apply
Decide if you’ll be applying anywhere Early Decision or Early Action
Make a list of deadlines, required essays, and financial aid requirements
Visit colleges and schedule interview if desired
Check in with teachers regarding recommendations and provide them the list of schools to which you’re applying, deadlines, any required forms, andanything else they request
Provide your counselor with your list of schools and deadlines for submitting transcripts, the School Report, and midyear grades
Finish your college essays
Take the SAT or ACT again, if needed
Register for CSS Profile in early fall if you’re applying for financial aid
Fill out your applications—do not procrastinate! Keep deadlines in focus.
Submit your test scores from SAT or ACT to schools.
Print and save copies of each application. Keep all copies of records, test scores, essays, and applications.
Submit applications, supplements, and fees for all colleges with fall deadlines.

WINTER

Apply for your FAFSA PIN number in December
Submit applications, supplements, and fees for all colleges on your list.
Fill out and submit FAFSA, CSS Profile, and any other required financial aid forms. Print copies for your records.
Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) when you receive it and make any necessary corrections.
Confirm that all application and financial aid materials have been received.
Complete college scholarship applications
Confirm that midyear grades have been sent to colleges
If accepted Early Decision, withdraw applications to other schools

SPRING

Review your acceptances
Visit colleges if you can. Stay overnight if you can.
Think about getting a summer job or internship.
Review your financial aid offers and weigh your options.
Choose a college! Accept their offer. Decline other schools’ financial aid offers.
Choose a payment plan.
Ensure that your final grade report is sent to the college you choose.

SUMMER

Follow up and finalize any financial aid plans
Look for summer mailings from colleges regarding housing, orientation, course selection, etc.
Make your first payment on time.
Pack for college!

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That’s it! Remember: no matter what stage of the process you’re at, we’re here to help! Feel free to ask us your questions!

Additional Resources: “Winning College Scholarships for High Schoolers” Video Course