College Planning Timeline

It is important to plan early for college. Here's a basic timeline to make your planning easier.

High School Juniors

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

• Develop a list of 10 or more colleges you would like to attend. Discuss this list with your guidance counselor and your parent(s). Check to make sure you are taking the classes required for college admission.


• Investigate colleges by attending college fairs, going online, and/or requesting information from the college admissions office.


• Sign up and take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test).

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY

• Create a college file to organize the information received from the colleges.


• Review college information and start narrowing your choices. Develop a "short" list of schools that interest you.


• Investigate financial aid and scholarship opportunities by reviewing college information and visiting website resources.

FEBRUARY/MARCH

• Register and study for the SAT and/or the ACT exams.


• Meet with college admissions counselors who visit your school. Ask your guidance counselor for dates and times.

APRIL/MAY/JUNE

• Take the SAT and/or the ACT exams.


• Inquire about college prep programs offered during the summer.


• Schedule campus visits to the colleges which interest you. Make sure to visit with personnel in admissions, financial aid, and the degree area you are interested in pursuing.

High School Seniors

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

• Meet with college admissions counselors visiting your school. Obtain admissions and scholarship applications for schools you are interested in attending. Schedule college campus visits. Register to take or retake the ACT or SAT test.

NOVEMBER

• Work on college application forms.
• Note deadlines for mailing high school transcripts.
• Register for December/January ACT or SAT tests.

DECEMBER/JANUARY

• Complete and mail admissions and scholarship applications.
• Attend financial aid night programs.
• Check with your guidance counselor about local area scholarship opportunities.
• As soon after January 1 as possible, complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To apply you will need a completed tax return for the previous year.

FEBRUARY/MARCH

• Remind your guidance counselor to send your official mid-year transcripts to the schools you have applied for admission.
• Schools begin to notify students of admission acceptance and financial aid awards.

APRIL/MAY

• By May 1st, make your final selection of a college and pay your deposit(s), if applicable.
• Complete and return your financial aid award letter.
• Inform your high school to send your official final transcript, class rank and proof of graduation.