Timeline for college admissions

Here are some general guidelines to help you plan for college. Your counselor may have additional school-specific tasks to add.

if you take any Regents courses, do your best because they will appear on your HS transcript that gets sent to colleges.
meet with your counselor about the transition to HS.

welcome to HS! Start strong academically: every grade counts toward your Grade Point Average.
don't fall behind academically: HS moves faster than middle school. You'll need more self-discipline and better time management.
get involved in activities like sports, arts, community service, or social events to meet others with similar interests.
meet with your counselor to discuss plans.

take the most rigorous courses that are appropriate for you. Keep your grades up.
stay involved in a variety of activities.
see if your school offers the PSAT or other testing for sophomores.
meet with your counselor to discuss college and career plans.

keep up your grades while taking challenging courses.
in October, take the PSAT/NMSQT.
in December, meet with your counselor when PSAT scores arrive.
create a College Board account and link your scores to Khan Academy for free test prep.
see if your school has free full-length practice tests available for SAT or ACT. Time yourself through each test and check your answers.
consider signing up for a test prep course.
register to take a spring ACT and/or SAT. Most colleges are test optional, but you need a test to have an option.
consider what you are looking for in a college: major? location - local or out of town? size - small, medium, large? setting- urban, suburban, rural? price?
plan to attend your school's college night with your parents.
in March, plan to attend the National College Fair at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center or online.
prospective college student athletes (Division 1 or 2) should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
create a resume to list your qualifications (academics, awards, athletics, activities, service, employment, etc).
meet with your counselor to discuss college plans. Review grades and test scores to identlfy realistic options. Plan senior course selection, choosing rigorous courses aligned with your career plans.
create your account on Common Application.
visit campuses with your parents.
apply for summer employment, service, camps, or pre-college programs.
finish strong to maximize your cumulative three-year average.

start strong academically - senior grades matter to colleges!
sign up for college visits in your school's counseling office.
attend your school's college night or financial aid night with your parents.
sign up for fall college fairs and campus open house events.
ask teachers for letters of recommendation; "invite" counselor and teachers into your Common App.
follow your school's procedures for requesting official transcripts.
update your resume; use it to facilitate completion of your college applications. Be sure to meet all deadlines.
with your parents, submit FAFSA beginning October 1st. Submit CSS Profile if necessary.
create account on scholarship search sites; apply for local scholarships.
meet with your counselor throughout the process.
in January, arrange to have your mid-year grades sent to colleges.
thank your recommenders. Show your counselor your acceptance letters.
in the spring, attend Accepted Students Day on campuses.
review all acceptance and award packages with your family.
National Candidates' Reply Date is May 1. Pay one deposit; thank other schools that accepted you.
formally accept your financial aid offer and complete other campus-specific aid documents.
finish strong academically: colleges will see your final transcript!
stay in touch with your college to meet their deadlines regarding: admissions, financial aid, housing, meal plans, parking, health, academic advising, athletics, and orientation.
Congratulations!

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