COLLEGE ~ PREPARING FOR IT (STEP BY STEP)

While it is best to get started early in your Junior year it is best to not wait til May or June of that year to get started.

June-November

Obtain application from your desired schools. Not application deadlines for enrollment and financial aid.
Plan fall and winter campus visits. (Pull up websites of potential schools.)
Begin developing essays; meet with guidance counselor.
Register to take or retake the ACT/SAT (at least four weeks in advance), and investigate ACT/SAT preparation classes in your area.
Attend college fairs and meet with college representatives. Be sure to complete the information card.
research grants and scholarships, based on your financial need, achievements, interests and abilities.
Submit early decision applications in late October/early November.


Note early decision deadlines at the beginning of November.
Register for December/January achievement tests (if necessary). Complete essays.
Review applications.
establish deadlines for mailing transcripts.
Explore all financial options--grants, scholarships, loans, etc
Speak with students and alumni of your targeted colleges.

Take December ACT/SAT or achievement tests
Speak with teachers and others about recommendations; attach stamped, addressed envelopes to these forms (on which you have your name, address, etc)
Keep your grades up; prepare well for semester finals.
Complete final admissions applications.
Early decision replies arrive this month; if you accept, withdraw applications from other schools.
Carefully proofread and mail all admissions applications to meet deadlines.
Obtain financial aid application and complete as directed http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Take January ACT/SAT or achievement tests.
Follow up on recommendation requests
Ask guidance officer to submit transcripts to targeted schools.
Register for May advance placement tests.
If necessary, register for March/April ACT/SAT
Acceptance or rejections may begin to arrive

Keep up your good grades
Continue to investigate financial options.
Keep colleges advised of your achievements and continued interest.
You may receive responses from early applications for financial aid.
Room and board deposits may be requested.
Most acceptances and rejections will arrive in March/April
Schedule final campus visits, if desired.
Confer with college financial aid office about your concerns.
Note the due dates for non-refundable deposits on freshman tuition.
Promptly notify college of your acceptance (usually required by May 1)
Notify other colleges that you decline.
Finalize your financial plan
Send freshman tuition deposit
Take advance placement tests
Inform high school where to send final transcripts, class rank and proof of graduation.
Correspond with college about housing, course selection, etc., for first term
Send thank you to counselors, teachers and others who have helped you over the past few months.