COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE
For Students
Students and parents often ask: “How early should we start planning for college?” The answer is it’s never too early. There are steps you can take as you begin your high school career to help you get started on the right track for college. Starting the process early can facilitate getting through the many components of a successful college application. Don’t forget to utilize your summers to enhance your resume with community service, work experience and/or pre-college courses.
This checklist from CollegeBoard will provide a road map for 9th and 10th graders.
By junior year it is important to meet with your school counselor to determine what classes to take to put yourself in the best possible position for attending college. It is of value to take a career interest inventory. If one is not given in your high school, there are many good ones available online.
You should take the PSAT in October of your junior year. It is not only a good way to practice for the SAT, but also qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship Program. In the spring you should take the SAT or ACT test. Be sure to register ahead of time and prepare with practice tests.
Start reviewing colleges by researching online, going to college fairs and speaking to college representatives that visit your high school. Make an initial college list. It is tremendously valuable to visit colleges and attend their information sessions and tours to have your own first-hand experience of the campuses. This also shows demonstrated interest that is tracked by many schools.
This checklist from CollegeBoard will provide further information for 11th graders.
You should take the PSAT in October of your junior year. It is not only a good way to practice for the SAT, but also qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship Program. In the spring you should take the SAT or ACT test. Be sure to register ahead of time and prepare with practice tests.
Start reviewing colleges by researching online, going to college fairs and speaking to college representatives that visit your high school. Make an initial college list. It is tremendously valuable to visit colleges and attend their information sessions and tours to have your own first-hand experience of the campuses. This also shows demonstrated interest that is tracked by many schools.
This checklist from CollegeBoard will provide further information for 11th graders.
By the beginning of senior year you should have at least a working draft of your Personal Essay for college. Finalize your college list and keep track of deadlines, especially if you have decided to apply Early Decision or Early Action to any of your schools. It is important to stay organized and keep track of all the additional materials required for the completed application, such as: letters of recommendation, test scores, transcripts, and financial aid applications. For students in the Performing and Visual Arts there are often additional requirements such as auditions or portfolios.
In the spring, if there are several schools where you have been accepted and are seriously considering, it is of value to visit their Accepted Students Days to assist with your final college choice.
Here is a checklist from CollegeBoard for 12th graders.
In the spring, if there are several schools where you have been accepted and are seriously considering, it is of value to visit their Accepted Students Days to assist with your final college choice.
Here is a checklist from CollegeBoard for 12th graders.
For Parents
Parental involvement increases in 11th and 12th grade with discussion of high school curriculum, college visits, and exploring college costs and financial aid options.
Here are two checklists from CollegeBoard for parents of students in their last two years of high school.
For Parents of 11th Graders
For Parents of 12th Graders
As you can see there are a multitude of steps required for successful college planning. Don’t get frustrated. If you find it overwhelming consider utilizing an experienced Independent Educational Consultant who can assist you and your student with the entire college search and application process.
Parental involvement increases in 11th and 12th grade with discussion of high school curriculum, college visits, and exploring college costs and financial aid options.
Here are two checklists from CollegeBoard for parents of students in their last two years of high school.
For Parents of 11th Graders
For Parents of 12th Graders
As you can see there are a multitude of steps required for successful college planning. Don’t get frustrated. If you find it overwhelming consider utilizing an experienced Independent Educational Consultant who can assist you and your student with the entire college search and application process.
