Timeline

An overview of our approach to the College Selection and Application process.

Freshman/Sophomore Years

    • Explore academic interests during the school year and the summer
    • Read about colleges and regions to identify what appeals to you
    • Try new activities to learn about what interests you
    • Identify 2 or 3 activities you can commit to through high school; find ways to deepen your involvement
    • Give back in a way that means something to you
    • Advocate for yourself and get to know teachers, coaches and staff

Junior Year – Fall/Winter

      • Develop individualized criteria to evaluate schools
      • Research initial list of colleges for social and academic fit
      • Read about colleges to identify what appeals to you
      • Get on mailing lists/blogs/social media via admissions pages to learn more about schools of interest
      • Visit colleges and take a tour when school is in session (Saturdays!)
      • Decide which test is best for you (ACT v. SAT) and register for test dates
      • Determine style and scheduling of test preparation
      • Identify themes for extracurriculars and what you want them to reveal about you

Junior Year – Spring

  • Visit as many colleges as you can before May 1
  • Revise college list based on visit intel
  • Research curriculum and majors in depth – utilize our “Digging Deeper” handout
  • Prepare for SAT or ACT
  • Complete SAT and/or ACT testing
  • Plan your summer – Take a class? Volunteer? Work? Deepen an interest?

 

Junior Year – Summer

  • Finalize college list as much as possible
  • Plan interview schedule for colleges that offer them
  • Identify supplemental work required utilizing a personalized tracking tool
  • Identify merit aid/honors program requirements and deadlines
  • Attend both our day-long essay and application workshops
  • Complete Common Application including personal statement essay and supplemental essays  
  • Identify recommenders from among your teachers, coaches, extracurricular contacts 

 

Senior Year – Fall/Winter

  • Update Naviance (or equivalent) account
  • Strategize Early Action/Early Decision plan
  • Request recommendation letters well ahead of deadlines
  • Complete all supplemental work including essays, honors applications, additional uploads and submissions
  • Revisit colleges and sit in on a class, meet with a professor/coach/director/student
  • Submit all applications
  • Thank those who helped you and take some deep breaths!

 

Senior Year – Spring

  • Weigh admissions offers
  • Revisit potential colleges – sit in on classes
  • Enjoy the final months of high school!