College Planning Calendar

Freshman Year

• Build strong academic skill by taking challenging courses
• Study hard and get excellent grades
• Become involved in school activities and volunteer for community activities
• Meet with your counselor to discuss your plans for the next four years
• Find out NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) requirements if you want to play sports in college
• Begin building your Student Resume by keeping track of your activities, honors, work experience and academic record
• Begin saving money for college
• Register for SAT Subject tests, if appropriate
• While on vacation plan on visiting college campuses

Sophomore Year

• Continue building a strong academic record
• Continue to participate in activities and community service
• Consult with your guidance counselor about taking the PSAT as a sophomore
• If you took the PSATs, review the results with your counselor. Plan to work on your weak areas in order to improve your SAT and/or ACT scores. The SAT and/or ACT will be taken in your Junior Year.
• Begin using the internet to explore colleges, careers, and scholarships
• Register for SAT Subject tests, if appropriate
• Update your student resume
• Explore summer enrichment programs offered at universities

Junior Year

September/October

• Get off to a strong start in school
• Register for and take the PSAT. Explore prep courses for PSAT/SAT

November/December

• PSAT results available
• Begin to research a preliminary college list

December/January

• Register for SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and/or ACT tests
• Are you on track to meet your graduation requirements?
• Retake Regents exams if necessary

February/March

• Surf the Web for college, career, and scholarship information
• Begin visiting colleges you have interest in. Spring break is an excellent time to see colleges
• Begin researching summer opportunities
• Continue to participate in school and community activities

April/May/June

• Take appropriate SAT/ACT test
• Begin a filing system for college material
• Send for college information
• Make appointments for tours and/or interviews and visit colleges
• Request teacher recommendation letters
• Take final exams and Regents exams in school
• Finalize your resume of activities

July/August

• Do something meaningful during the summer that you can talk about in essays and interviews
• VISIT COLLEGES
• Begin organizing possible essays for colleges

Senior Year

September

• Be sure you have all the courses and credits you need for graduation
• Register for the SAT, SAT Subject tests, and/or ACT tests
• Ask for letters of recommendation from teachers, employers and others who know you well
• File NCAA Athletic form if you plan to play college sports
• Prepare college applications. If you decide to apply early decision, submit your application to your counselor two weeks before its deadline
• File CSS Profile Financial Aid form if your college requires it

October

• Review your high school transcript with your counselor
• Finish college essays and have them reviewed by your English teacher
• Continue visiting colleges
• Register for SAT, SAT Subject tests, and/or ACT exams
• Continue to work on college applications. MEET EARLY DECISION DEADLINES
• Attend college fairs/open houses
• Begin to apply for scholarships; listen for information

November

• Finalize college choices
• Take SAT, SAT Subject Tests and/or ACT exams
• Talk with college friends home for Thanksgiving
• Submit college applications - Keep copies of everything you send out
• Send SAT, SAT Subject Tests and/or ACT results directly to colleges
• Continue to check for scholarship information
• Check status of letters of recommendation

December/January

• FAFSA (Federal Financial Aid Forms) are available this month, complete and submit as soon as possible
• NOTE: All colleges need to receive mid-year grades. AVOID SENIOR SLUMP
• Are all your applications submitted?

February/March

• File all appropriate forms as soon as possible
• Any applications still not submitted should be completed as soon as possible if the deadline allows
• Notify your counselor of all college acceptances, rejections, and wait-listed status
• Continue to check for scholarships

April/May

• Make final decisions about college; submit necessary deposit
• Report all college decisions to your counselor. Notify him/her about which college you will attend
• Report all scholarships, grants, and awards to your counselor

June

• Confirm post high school plans with your counselor
• Meet all graduation requirements
• Meet all college deadlines to ensure your place in the college of your choice.
• GRADUATION - Congratulations and Good Luck!