A Simple College Planning Timeline

The timeline below is a general college planning guide. It does not apply to all colleges.

Before you begin the college application process, please consult with your guidance counselor, visit each college’s website directly, and/or check with each college’s admissions office for more specific requirements and deadlines.

High School Freshmen & Sophomores

• Start talking to your parents about college
• Get involved with extracurricular activities and begin to take on leadership positions
• Develop your time management and study skills
• Take courses that will prepare you for college

High School Juniors

• Start researching colleges
• Meet with your high school guidance counselor
• Go on campus visits
• Learn about the financial aid process
• Take the PSAT in the Fall
• Register for SAT or ACT prep courses
• Take the SAT or ACT in the Spring
• Start thinking about potential college majors
• Call the college admissions office if you have questions/concerns

High School Seniors

August

• Expect college brochures and applications in the mail
• Visit colleges that interest you (if you haven’t already)

September

• Touch base with your high school guidance counselor to discuss college plans
• Begin writing and revising your college admissions essay or personal statement

October/November

• Take the ACT or SAT
• Begin submitting college applications (check early action and early decision deadlines)
• Complete CSS Financial Aid Profile (if applying for early admission)
• Coordinate with teachers to get any required letters of recommendations

December

• Early action and early decision applicants are notified

January/February

• Complete CSS Financial Aid Profile (regular admissions)
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Reply deadline for admitted early action and early decision students

April

• Regular admission decisions are mailed to applications
• Notification of financial aid awards
• Wrap up any remaining college admissions tasks
• Attend on-campus programs for newly admitted students

May

• Reply deadline for admitted regular decision students
• Send “thank you” letters to everyone who wrote letters of recommendations

June/July/August

• Attend freshman orientation
• Finalize your on-campus housing plans
• Shop for dorm supplies and any other items needed for college
• Meet with your academic advisor and register for first-semester courses