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COLLEGE
PLANNING CALENDAR
- Freshmen
- Build strong academic,
language, mathematics and critical thinking skills by taking challenging
courses.
Study hard and get
excellent grades.
Strengthen your vocabulary by increasing your reading.
Become involved in
co-curricular activities.
Meet your high school guidance counselor and discuss your plans for the
next four years.
Browse through college
literature or surf the Web to get an idea of what kinds of schools may be
of interest to you.
Check out what high school courses colleges require.
Know NCAA (National
Collegiate Athletic Association) requirements if you want to play sports
in college.
Keep an academic portfolio and co-curricular record.
Research career
possibilities.
Begin saving money for college.
- Sophomore
- October
Take the PSAT for practice.
The results will not be used for college admission.
Sign up, if you have
not done so already, for co-curricular activities that interest you. The
level of involvement and accomplishment is most important, not the number
of activities.
Keep a record of your
co-curricular involvement, volunteer work, and employment (all year).
- November
Make sure you are "on
top" of your academic work. If necessary, meet with your teacher for
additional help.
Save your best work in academic courses and the arts for your academic
portfolio (all year).
-
December
Receive results of PLAN
and/or the PSAT. Read materials sent with your score report. Consult your
guidance counselor to explore ways to improve on future standardized tests
and courses to discuss which may be required or beneficial for your
post-high school plans.
- January
Keep studying!
Volunteer-a great way to
identify your interests and to develop skills.
- February
It is never too early to
start researching colleges and universities. Visit your guidance office to
browse through literature and guidebooks or surf the Web and check out
college and university home pages
-
March
NACAC has developed a list
of on-line resources to help you in the college admission process called
Web Resources for the College-Bound. You can get the information online
free at the NACAC Web site. Or order a printed copy by clicking here.
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Concentrate on
academic preparation and continue to develop basic skills and
co-curricular interests.
September
Consult your
guidance counselor about taking the PSAT in October. The PSAT is a
preliminary test that will prepare you for the SAT Reasoning Test.
If you plan on taking
the ACT, talk to your guidance counselor about taking the PLAN this fall.
The PLAN is a preliminary standardized test that will give you some
preparation for the ACT. PLAN does not have national testing dates, so ask
your guidance counselor about test dates offered by your school.
You need to register
several weeks in advance for the PLAN and the PSAT, so consult your
guidance counselor early in September.
Take NCAA-approved
courses if you want to play sports in college.
.
April
Register for June SAT
Subject Test. These are one-hour exams testing you on academic subjects
that you have already completed. Among the many to choose from are
biology, chemistry, foreign languages and physics. Many colleges require
three SAT Subject Tests. Some colleges recommend/require Math Level1 or
Math Level 2. Not all SAT Subject Tests are given on every test date.
Check the calendar carefully to determine when the Subject Tests you want
are offered. See your guidance counselor
for advice. Continue to research career
options and consider possible college majors that will help you achieve
your career goals.
May
Plan now for wise use of
your summer. Consider taking a summer course or participating in a special
program (e.g., for prospective engineers or journalists or for those
interested in theatre or music) at a local college or community college.
Consider working or volunteering.
June
Take the SAT Subject Tests
that you registered for in April. Consider electing score choice so you
can see your test scores before deciding whether to release the results to
colleges. It's a good idea to plan on taking the SAT Subject Tests again
in the spring of your junior year or the fall of your senior year. You
then have the option of releasing only your best scores to colleges.
If you work, save some of
your earnings for college.
July
During the summer, you may
want to sign up for a PSAT/SAT prep course, use computer software, or do
the practice tests in books designed to familiarize you with standardized
tests.
August
Make your summer
productive. Continue reading to increase your vocabulary.
Junior
September
Register for the October
PSAT. Meet with your guidance counselor to review your courses for this
year and plan your schedule for senior year. Save samples of your best
work for your academic portfolio (all year). Maintain your co-curricular
record (all year).
October
Junior year PSAT scores may
qualify a student for the National Merit Scholarship Competition and the
National Achievement and the National Hispanic Scholars Programs. So, even
though these scores will not be used for college admission, it is still a
good idea to take the PSAT. The more times you take standardized tests,
the more familiar you will become with the format and the types of
questions asked. If you wish to receive free information from colleges,
indicate on the PSAT test answer form that you want to participate in the
Student Search.
November
Junior year grades are
extremely important in the college admission process, because they are a
measure of how well you do in advanced, upper-level courses. Grades also
are used to determine scholarships and grants for which you may be
eligible. So put in the extra effort and keep those grades up!
If you will require
financial aid, start researching your options for grants, scholarships and
work-study programs. Make an appointment with your guidance counselor or
start by visiting NACAC's Web Resources for the College-Bound to do
research on your own using the Internet.
December
During December you should
receive the results of your PSAT. Read your score report and consult your
school counselor to determine how you might improve on future standardized
tests. The PSAT is excellent preparation for the SAT Reasoning Test, which
you will take in the spring. If you plan to take the
ACT, register now for the February ACT. Many colleges accept the ACT
(American College Test) or the SAT Reasoning Test. Some colleges require
the ACT or both SAT Reasoning Test and the SAT Subject Tests. When you
begin to explore different colleges and universities, double-check to see
if they prefer or require the ACT, the SAT Reasoning Test and/or the SAT
Subject Tests.
January
Begin to make a preliminary
list of colleges you would like to investigate further. Surf the Internet
and use the college resources in the guidance office or library.
Ask your parents for your
Social Security number (required on many college applications). If you
were never issued a Social Security number, contact the closest Social
Security office as soon as possible to obtain a number.
February
Meet with your guidance
counselor to discuss your preliminary list of colleges. Discuss whether
your initial list of colleges meets your needs and interests (academic
program, size, location, cost, etc.) and whether you are considering
colleges where you are likely to be admitted. You should be optimistic and
realistic when applying to colleges. Register for the March SAT
Reasoning Test if you have completed the math courses covered on the SAT
Reasoning Test. If not, plan to take the SAT Reasoning Test in May or
June. Prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT by signing up for a prep
course, using computer software, or doing the SAT/ACT practice tests
available in the counseling office or at bookstores. But don't spend so
much time trying to improve standardized test scores that grades and
co-curricular involvement suffer.
March
Write, telephone, or use
the Internet to request admission literature and financial aid information
from the colleges on your list. There is no charge and no obligation to
obtain general information about admission and financial aid.
April
When selecting your senior
courses, be sure to continue to challenge yourself academically.
Register for the May/June
SAT Reasoning Test and/or the May/June SAT Subject Tests. Not all SAT
Subject Tests are given on every test date. Check the calendar carefully
to determine when the Subject Tests you want are offered. Register for the
June ACT if you want to take that test. Continue to evaluate your
list of colleges and universities. Eliminate colleges from the original
list that no longer interest you and add others as appropriate. Look into summer jobs or
apply for special summer academic or enrichment programs. Colleges love to
see students using their knowledge and developing their skills and
interests.
May
Attend a college fair to
get more information about colleges on your list. NACAC sponsors college
fairs in cities across the country during the fall and the spring. Visit
NACAC's National College Fairs Web page to check out the schedule for the
National College Fairs and the Performing and Visual Arts College Fairs.
Get a jump start on summer
activities-consider enrolling in an academic course at a local college,
pursuing a summer school program, applying for an internship, working, or
volunteering. If you work, save part of your earnings for college.
Begin visiting colleges.
Phone to set up appointments. Interviews are always a good idea. Many
colleges will tell you they are optional, but an interview will show
interest, enthusiasm and initiative on your part and provide an excellent
opportunity to have your questions answered. Do a practice interview with
your counselor, teacher, employer, or a senior who has had college
interviews. Set up interviews as early as possible-interview times become
booked quickly! Take the SAT Reasoning Test
or the SAT Subject Tests.
June
After school ends, get on
the road to visit colleges. Seeing the college firsthand, taking a tour
and talking to students can be the greatest help in deciding whether or
not a school is right for you. Although it is ideal to visit colleges
during the academic year, going in the summer will be valuable. Admission
offices employ their students to give tours and answer questions from
prospective students and their parents. Take the SAT Reasoning
Test, the SAT Subject Tests and/or the ACT.
July
Visit colleges, take tours,
have interviews and ask questions. Make college visiting a family event.
Involve your parents and siblings in every step of your application
process. Choosing the right college is a tough decision; the opinions of
those who know you best can provide helpful insight into which college is
best for you.
August
Continue to refine your
list of potential colleges and universities. Begin preparing for the
actual application process: draft application essays; collect writing
samples; and assemble portfolios or audition tapes. If you are an athlete
and plan on playing in college, contact the coaches at the schools to
which you are applying and ask about intercollegiate and intramural sports
programs and athletic scholarships. Complete the NCAA
Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse form if you hope to play Division I or
II sports. (This form cannot be mailed until you finish your sixth
semester of high school.)
Senior
September
Make sure you have all
applications required for college admission and financial aid. Write,
phone, or use the Internet to request missing information. Check on application and
financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you plan to apply. They
may vary and it is essential to meet all deadlines! Meet with your guidance
counselor to be sure your list includes colleges appropriate to your
academic and personal record. Review your transcript and co-curricular
records with your school counselor to ensure their accuracy. Register for the
October/November SAT Reasoning Test and/or SAT Subject Tests, or
September/October ACT.
If the colleges require
recommendations, ask the appropriate people to write on your behalf. At
least three weeks before the due date, ask your counselor and teachers,
employers, or coaches to write letters of recommendation. Provide
recommendation forms, any special instructions and a stamped, addressed
business envelope to the people writing your recommendation. Be
thoughtful! Write thank-you notes to those who write recommendations and
keep them informed of your decisions.
Plan visits to colleges and
set up interviews (if you didn't get to them during the summer or if you
want to return to a campus for a second time). Read bulletin boards and
the college newspaper. Talk with current students and professors.
October
Attend a regional college
fair to investigate further those colleges to which you will probably
apply. Go to College Fairs on NACAC's Web site to view the schedule for
NACAC's National College Fairs and the Performing and Visual Arts College
Fairs. Mail applications in time
to reach the colleges by the deadlines. Check with your guidance counselor
to make sure your transcript and test scores have been/will be sent to the
colleges to which you are applying. If applying for early
decision or early action, send in your application now. Also prepare
applications for back-up schools. Remember, if you are accepted under the
early decision option, you are expected to enroll at that college and to
withdraw all other applications. Submit financial aid information if
requested from early decision/action candidates. Register for the
December/January SAT Reasoning Test and/or SAT Subject Tests, or December
ACT if you have not completed the required tests or if you are not happy
with your previous test scores and think you can do better. Have official test scores
sent by the testing agency to colleges on your list.
November
Take the SAT Reasoning Test
or SAT Subject Tests if appropriate. Don't forget to have test scores sent
to colleges on your list. Be sure your first quarter
grades are good. Continue completing
applications to colleges. Make copies of all applications before mailing
the applications. If you need financial aid,
obtain a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) from your
guidance office. Check to see if the colleges to which you are applying
require any other financial aid form. Register for the CSS Profile if
required and obtain the college's own financial aid forms, if available.
Keep all records, test
score reports and copies of applications for admission and financial aid.
Do not throw anything away until at least the end of your first year in
college. Having detailed records will save you time and effort should
anything be lost or should you decide to apply in the future to other
colleges and scholarship programs.
December
Have official test scores
sent to colleges on your list if you have not done so. Consult your school
counselor again to review your final list of colleges. Be sure you have
all bases covered. It is a good idea to make copies of everything before
you drop those envelopes in the mail. If for some reason your application
gets lost, you will have a back-up copy. File your last college
application. If you applied for early
decision, you should have an answer by now. If you are accepted, follow
the instructions for admitted students. If the decision is deferred until
spring or you are denied, submit applications now to other colleges.
January
Keep working in your
classes! Grades and courses continue to count throughout the senior year.
Request that your counselor
send the transcript of your first semester grades to the colleges to which
you applied. Parents and students,
complete your income tax forms as soon as possible. You will need those
figures to fill out the FAFSA. Complete and return your FAFSA as quickly
as possible after January 1. Check to make sure your colleges or state
does not require any other financial aid forms. If they do, consult your
guidance counselor or contact the college's financial aid office.
February
Remember to monitor your
applications to be sure that all materials are sent and received on time
and that they are complete. Stay on top of things and don't procrastinate;
you can ruin your chances for admission by missing a deadline.
If you completed a FAFSA,
you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks after
submitting the FAFSA. Review the SAR carefully and check for any
inaccuracies. If necessary, correct any items on the SAR and return it to
the FAFSA processor (if a college transmitted your data directly, notify
the college of any change). If more than four weeks
have passed after sending in your FAFSA and you have not received an
acknowledgment, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at
(319) 337-5665. To identify you, they will need your name, social security
number, address, and date of birth exactly as it was written on your FAFSA.
Complete scholarship
applications. You may be eligible for more scholarships than you think, so
apply for as many as you can. Enjoy your final year in
high school, but don't catch senioritis!
March
Stay focused and keep
studying-only a couple more months to go!
April
Do not take rolling
admission applications for granted. (Some colleges do not have application
deadlines; they admit students on a continuous basis.) These schools may
reach their maximum class size quickly-the earlier you apply, the more
availability there may be. Review your college
acceptances and financial aid awards. Be sure to compare financial aid
packages in your decision-making process. If you are positive you will not
enroll at one or more of the colleges which accepted you, please notify
those colleges that you have selected another college. Keeping colleges
abreast of your plans might enable those colleges to admit someone else.
If you know which college you will attend, send your tuition deposit and
follow all other instructions for admitted students. You must decide which
offer of admission to accept by May 1 (postmark date).
May
By May 1, decide on the one
college that you will attend. By May 1, send in your tuition deposit to
the college you will attend. Notify the other colleges that accepted you
that you have selected another college. BE PROUD-you have completed
a difficult task. If your first-choice
college places you on their waiting list, do not lose all hope. Some
students are admitted off the waiting list. Talk with your counselor, and
contact the college to let them know you are still very interested. Keep
the college updated on your activities. Take Advanced Placement
examinations, if appropriate and request that your AP scores be sent to
the college you will attend.
June
Request that your counselor
send your final transcript to the college you will attend. Notify the
college of any private scholarships or grants you will be receiving.
Know when the payment for
tuition, room and board, meal plans, etc., is due. If necessary, ask the
financial aid office about a possible payment plan that will allow for you
to pay in installments. Congratulations, you've
made it through high school! Enjoy your graduation and look forward to
college.
July
Look for information in the
mail from the college about housing, roommate(s), orientation, course
selection, etc. Respond promptly to all requests from the college.
August-September. Ease the transition into
college. Accept the fact that you'll be in charge of your academic and
personal life. What you do, when you do it and how things get done will be
up to you. You'll have new responsibilities and challenges. Think about
budgeting your time and establishing priorities. Take charge of the
changes that lie ahead and eliminate or minimize pressures. Go forth with
confidence and enthusiasm, willingness to adapt and determination to
succeed academically and personally. Pack for college. Don't
forget to include things that remind you of friends and family. Be
prepared for the new opportunities and challenges. Have a great freshman
year!
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