THE COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

Sophomore Year

Develop a high-level standardized test plan and timeline (SAT, ACT, and others). Some sophomores may be ready to take SAT Subject tests, depending upon their course work.

Explore potential career opportunities. Talk to people including your parents, teachers, friends, and counselors.

Expand your involvement in selected Expand your involvement in selected extracurricular activities.

Use the summer to explore your interests and enhance your profile. Visit one or two local colleges to get a feel for what you like in a college campus.

Senior Year

Finalize your college list, and develop a college application calendar, including deciding on early action and early decision. Meet with your guidance counselor to review and finalize your college list, and request recommendation letters.

Brainstorm and develop your college essays, including selecting prompts and topics.

Complete and submit college applications, Complete and submit college applications, including sending test scores.

Plan to send your mid-year transcript working with your high school counselor.

Respond to any waitlist offers (a common occurrence these days!) with interest and updates.

Evaluate your admission oEvaluate your admission offers and financial aid packages to make the decision!

As soon as you can, meet your high school counselor to discuss your interests and goals.

Get involved in school extracurricular activities and develop a deeper focus on the things that interest you. Colleges would rather see you be involved in less activities but devote more time to them.

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Take the PSAT in October. Your score will be evaluated for the National Merit Scholarship award.

Talk with your family about what factors are important in your college choice (for example size, prominence, location, cost and field of study).

Develop your “schools of interest” list and get on Develop your “schools of interest” list and get on their mailing lists. Take advantage of any college representative visits at your school. Attend college information meetings in your area (if you’re on college mailing lists, they’ll invite you). As convenient, visit some of the key colleges on your list.

If you plan on participating in Division I or II If you plan on participating in Division I or II college sports, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (www.eligibilitycenter.org).

Freshman Year

Junior Year

Most importantly, keep up your grades! Academically push yourself tobuild a strong foundation, yet don’t overload with too many difficult courses.