June

• Review and implement the senior year application strategy. This includes 12 basic steps which emphasize the importance of demonstrating student strengths and uniqueness to show that extra “something” that sets you apart from other student applicants.

• Take action to make sure you will receive excellent recommendations from teachers, counselors and coaches this fall. Say goodbye before you leave school for the summer and demonstrate some of the personal qualities college admission officers are seeking - be engaged and caring.

• Take the SAT Reasoning Test™ this month (if you registered to take one or more tests).

• Update your student résumé to include all accomplishments and activities from your freshman, sophomore, and junior years.

• Complete activities during the summer months that will make this fall's college and scholarship applications look great. Volunteer, work an internship or job, or take classes at a community college.

• Earn top grades in a Community College class (if you’re taking a class this summer). College admission officers will strongly consider the grade you earn in this class when they examine your application for admission.

• Search and select colleges and universities to apply to this fall. Search and analyze college websites, evaluate information collected from college fairs, and consider the opinions of high school graduates, teachers and counselors.

• Visit your selected colleges and conduct interviews. In-person visits will allow you to get a feel for each campus’s culture and atmosphere. Set up interviews with admission officers and a professor in your major; talk with current students.

• Research scholarships and submit winning applications. Get an early start on the process by filling out applications and writing scholarship essays this summer.

• PARENTS - Plan to help your student with the college application, financial aid, and enrollment processes over the next 15 months. Get informed and prepare to help with the important decisions ahead.

July

• If you’re interested in applying to Military Academies, start the application process now. United States Military Academies give full-ride scholarships in exchange for years of military service after you graduate.

• Create filing systems for electronic and paper documents you will write and receive from colleges during the college admission and financial aid processes.

• Student athletes should plan to market themselves to college coaches if they are interested in playing intercollegiate sports and earning athletic scholarships.

• Prepare for taking the SAT Reasoning Test™, SAT Subject Tests™, and the ACT® this fall if you need to improve your scores.

• Discuss costs of college with your parents to get an idea of what your family can afford. A good starting point for discussion is the evaluation of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

• Think about selecting a college major (if you haven’t already done so). Consider not only your interests but your skills, talents, and personality.

• Visual arts and architecture majors will be required to submit portfolios of their work. Go to websites of colleges you will apply to and review the application portfolio requirements. Get started early; creating an outstanding portfolio will take several months.

• Clean-up any questionable personal information you and your friends have posted on internet social networking sites (i.e., Facebook.com). Many colleges and universities review information and photographs posted by student applicants (and their friends) to see the personal side of students. Also, set your social network account privacy settings so unwanted persons cannot view your information.

• Visit your selected colleges and conduct interviews before the end of the summer. Visiting campuses builds a foundation from which you can compare colleges and universities.

August

• Register for the ACT® Test scheduled in September (if you want to improve your test scores).

• Review and implement the recommended senior year college application strategy. This strategy includes the best approach to gain college admission and to receive significant scholarships and grants.

• Make sure your fall and spring class schedules include all the courses needed for college admission.

• Register for the SAT Reasoning Test™ scheduled in October (if you want to improve your test scores).

• If you haven’t started researching colleges and universities, begin now.

• Be a leader in a few extracurricular activities this school year – lead a team, be an officer in a club, start your own project, be on student council, etc.

• Visual and performing arts students will have extra college application materials to submit. Be prepared.

• Plan to start early on your college applications and essays. The application process is very involved; most colleges require multiple essays and supplemental forms.

• Research the application materials required by your colleges and download PDF files of those materials. Print paper copies of all application forms, teacher recommendation forms, financial aid applications, and other required documents; complete these forms by hand so you can copy the information onto online applications at a later time.

• Continue to research scholarships. If you haven’t registered for free national scholarship search services at Fastweb.com, do it now. Print application materials for scholarships you wish to apply to.

• Find your high school’s CEEB Code number (also called the High School Code). See your counselor for the code number or find it online. You will need this number when you submit college and university applications.

• Parents - maximize your student’s potential for need-based scholarships and grants.

• Male students - Register with the U.S. Selective Service when you reach age 18 (it's Federal law and makes you eligible for State and Federal student aid). You can register with your high school, U.S. Post Office, or online.

• See your high school counselor about joining academic programs and organizations. Belonging to organizations that require student members to earn excellent grades will look good on your college applications.
  

September

• Take the ACT® this month (if you want to improve your test scores).

• A generic college application and financial aid checklist of deadlines is provided. Print the convenient MyCollegeCalendar one-page checklist.

• Select a college major. Consider not only your interests but your skills, talents, and personality. How will a particular major help you capitalize on your natural talents and interests?

• Plan to work on application essays 10 hours or more per week. Essays are the most time consuming part of the application process; start to think about essay topics and begin writing essay rough drafts as soon as possible.

• If you’re interested in attending one of the Military Academies, start the application process immediately. Note that ROTC scholarship applications are due in December and January.

• Register for the SAT Subject Tests™ scheduled in November (if you want to improve your test scores).

• Determine if interviews are REQUIRED for college admission and/or scholarships. If so, schedule interviews with college admission officers as soon as possible. Many colleges require interviews to be conducted two to four weeks BEFORE early action or early decision applications are due.

• Schedule auditions if your college major is one of the performing arts. Auditions (and sometimes interviews) are required of students applying as performing arts or music majors. Research deadlines for conducting auditions and interviews; as soon as possible, contact your major department at each college you will apply to and schedule auditions and/or interviews. Work with your parents to make travel and lodging arrangements, if necessary.

• Finalize your list of teachers, counselors, coaches, employers, community members, or other adults you will ask for letters of recommendation.

• Order 12 "official copies" of your high school transcripts (and community college transcripts, if you took a class). Open one transcript to see if your grades are accurate. Correct any mistakes immediately.

• Finalize your student résumé. When your résumé is complete, make 10 copies and place the copies in your paper filing system.

October

• Take the SAT Test™ this month (if you want to improve your test scores).

• Request assistance from teachers and counselor(s) in the first week of October to write letters of recommendation (or to complete recommendation forms) on your behalf – DON’T DELAY IN MAKING REQUESTS.

• Continue to spend at least 10 hours per week working on your application essays. Writing essays is a lengthy, involved process; many colleges require multiple essays.

• Parents (and students) need to understand all aspects of financial aid process. Detailed discussion of scholarship, grant, and loan application processes, common pitfalls to avoid, and all-around practical advice is provided.

• Parents should prepare for completing the CSS/PROFILE® financial aid application. If the colleges you're applying to require the CSS/PROFILE®, print a Pre-Application Worksheet and have your parents begin filling it out by hand. Some colleges required the CSS/PROFILE® to be submitted as early as November 1.

• Keep up your grades. Many universities require mid-year reports (a report card of this fall semester’s grades) to be submitted in January. Earning top grades this fall increases your chances for earning significant scholarships in the spring.

• Be sure to send your ACT® and SAT® scores to the colleges and programs you’re applying to.

November

• Take the SAT Subject Tests™ this month (if you want to improve your test scores).

• Teacher and counselor recommendations should be submitted electronically (by your teachers and counselor) or returned to you to be included with application packets you will mail to each college.

• Submit all college applications and supplemental application forms online; the deadline for most college Early Action applications is November 15. Don't wait until the last day to submit online applications.

• Photocopy all paper application materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) before you mail them. If your application packet gets lost in the mail, you'll be very glad you have a back-up copy to send.

• Mail all paper application materials official grade transcripts, teacher and counselor recommendations, student résumé, and other required documents) using U.S. CERTIFIED MAIL with a RETURN RECEIPT or FedEx / UPS tracking services.

• Send your student résumé with a cover letter to college representatives who support your admission.

• Work on completing national scholarship applications. Apply to only those national scholarships whose eligibility requirements perfectly match your student qualifications.

• ROTC scholarships and programs are offered by the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. Deadlines are fast approaching for ROTC scholarship applications (Air Force: December 1, Army: January 1, and Navy: January 20).

• Learn about the FAFSA process.

• FAFSA PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) are required for both you (the student) and one of your parents. The FAFSA must be completed as soon as possible after January 1; now is a good time to apply for your FAFSA PINs.

December

• Make sure applications have been received by your colleges. If you haven’t received confirmation online or through the U.S. mail from your colleges, CALL EACH ADMISSIONS OFFICE to verify all application materials have been received.

• Watch for decision letters from the colleges and universities you applied to in November to arrive this month. They may arrive via your personal e-mail account, U.S. mail, or through college websites using a login ID and password.

• Consider applying to additional colleges using the regular admission process (if you missed submitting early applications in November). Regular Admission deadlines are usually between January 15 and March 1.

• If you are deferred for admission by your top choice college and really want to attend that school, contact the college admissions office within a few days of being notified of your deferral. If you’re flat-out rejected by your top choice college and you really want to attend that school, one last attempt to get accepted can be made by writing a Letter of Appeal.

• Print and fill out the FAFSA Worksheet. The FAFSA Worksheet should be completed by hand BEFORE January 1.

• Make sure your parents complete the CSS/PROFILE® financial aid application as soon as possible if it's required by the colleges and universities you've been accepted to (or applied to).

• Students - Minimize money in your bank accounts. Colleges and universities expect you (the student) to use virtually your entire savings to help pay for college. Consider using your money to purchase items for college (i.e., laptop computer) before applying for financial aid. Be aware that any money held in a student's name will reduce that student’s eligibility for need-based scholarships.

• Visit with college freshmen who graduated from your high school that are home on winter break. Hear what they have to say about their first semester in college. What advice do they have for you?
  

January

• Submit the FAFSA online in the first week of January.

• Additional financial aid and scholarship applications may be required by your schools. Check with your colleges and universities regarding "institution specific" (special) financial aid forms.

• Remind your parents to complete their Federal tax returns in early February. You want to be ready to submit all required information if you are selected for FAFSA verification in February – March or you need to make corrections to the FAFSA or CSS/PROFILE® application.

• Consider applying to additional colleges if you wish you had applied to a specific college or two, but didn’t. Use the regular admission process.
  

• Send Mid-Year Grade Reports (also called Mid-Year Reports) to colleges and universities that have accepted you (if they require them).

• Apply for State government financial aid.

• Watch for announcements of local and regional scholarships. Apply to all those in which you are eligible.

• Plan to visit colleges and universities that have accepted you without your parents (if you can) and without a tour guide by your side. Stay overnight in the student residence halls; you will get an inside look at the campus and students.

• Continue participating in extracurricular activities (inside and outside of school). Dedicate yourself to a few extracurricular activities and work toward leadership positions. Sign up for leadership roles in clubs, organizations, committees, and other activities you are involved with this spring semester.

• Keep up your grades this final semester of high school. Grades and course curriculum continue to count throughout the entire senior year.

February

• Remind your parents to complete Federal tax returns in early February.

• See your doctor about required immunizations for college. Numerous colleges and universities require incoming freshman to receive Hepatitis B immunization. The Hepatitis B vaccination is given in 3 doses over a 5- to 6-month period.

• Make any needed corrections to the FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE® based on your parents' Federal tax returns.

• Deferred / Wait-listed? Write a brief letter to the college admissions officer handling your file highlighting all achievements and activities since your original application was submitted.

• Continue watching for announcements of local and regional scholarships. Apply to all those in which you are eligible.

• Mail all supplemental financial aid documents requested by your colleges. Any delay in mailing these materials will delay your receipt of financial aid awards.

• Consider sending a letter of special circumstance to the financial aid office at each of your colleges. Financial aid officers have the ability to increase financial aid based on "unusual" family situations.

March

• Still Deferred / Wait-listed? Call the college admissions officer responsible for your file to make sure the letter you mailed last month was received. Give a brief verbal update of your recent accomplishments and your continued strong interest in attending that college.

• If you’re still not sure which college is your favorite, visit the colleges and universities you’ve been accepted to one more time.

• Good grades and good behavior are very important until the last day of high school. Colleges have the right to revoke their offer of admission if your academic performance drops or if you demonstrate behavior problems during the months prior to enrollment.

• Participate in “Accepted Students Weekend”. This is an excellent campus-wide event in which you can check out all the aspects of the college.

April

• Watch your mailbox and e-mail inbox for arrival of financial aid award letters early this month. These Letters will outline the types of financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans, and work study (jobs)) and the amounts offered by each college. Be ready to compare awards from each college and to calculate the cost of attending each school.

• Make sure your financial aid awards are clearly understood and all uncertainties are resolved before you accept admission to college. Three issues typically must be clarified with college financial aid offices. These include GPA requirements to maintain scholarships and grants, if scholarships are renewable, and the impact of receiving scholarships from "outside" sources.

• Consider appealing financial aid awards if you feel you have not been awarded a fair and reasonable amount of financial aid by a particular college or university.

• Decide on the college or university you will attend.

• Sign and mail the Enrollment Confirmation Form to the school you will attend. Send the Form using U.S. Certified Mail with a Return Receipt or FedEx / UPS tracking services.

• Accept financial aid awards offered by the college you will attend. Sign and mail your financial aid award letter or accept your awards online through your college's website (using your login ID and password). Accept financial aid offers according to instructions of the college. Keep a copy of your award acceptance for your files.

• Send a letter of non-acceptance to each college you’re NOT attending.

May

• Send an Enrollment Confirmation Form no later than May 1. Mail all documents using U.S. Certified Mail with a Return Receipt or FedEx / UPS tracking services.

• Take AP® Tests the first weeks in May.

• If you did not get accepted to any college (or to the college of your choice), several schools still have available spaces. Go to the database: "NACAC Survey: Space and Financial Aid Still Available For Students On College Campuses" and search for colleges with openings for incoming freshmen.

• Keep focused on academics. If your final semester grades drop significantly, your college has the right to place you on academic probation or revoke its offer of admission.

• Work with your college to complete and return all necessary forms. Respond promptly to additional requests for information from your college.

• Contact your college to see if math and foreign language placement tests are required. Many colleges and universities require incoming freshmen to take math and foreign language placement tests BEFORE they are allowed to pre-register for fall classes.

• Work with your parents to create a budget plan for next year. Review the results from the Cost / Financial Aid Comparison Spreadsheet to see how much you and your family are expected to pay for college from cash and loans.