Take mock SAT/ACT to select which test. Test Prep tutoring over summer if needed
Narrow college list ~30
Visit nearby college campuses
PARENTS: Jan 1st of sophomore year begins the base year on which financial aid calculations for freshman year will be based. Arrange finances strategically.
11th Grade
In 11th grade the college list is finalized into safety, target and reach schools. Students deepen their impact in extracurricular activities in meaningful ways in addition to taking on leadership positions (e.g., winning local or regional awards, publishing a paper, raising funds for charity). The summer after 11th grade is the student’s best chance to demonstrate excellence in a field of interest such as an internship, a deep volunteer experience, starting their own company, or working a meaningful job. Often these experiences require in-depth applications and I can help with that process. Some students might want to begin test prep the summer before junior year.
Keep Grades up & fill in activity/awards log. Plan courses for senior year
Choose teachers to write recommendation letters and speak to them. Best to choose teachers from junior year classes and/or in charge of your extracurriculars
Possible SAT/ACT in fall. Take PSAT – entered into National Merit if qualify
Make a study plan for IB exams or May AP exams: goal to get 4s and 5s. Get accommodations if needed
Attend college fairs/rep visits to area. Spring Break College Campus tour
SAT/ACT in Spring and/or Summer. Fall of Senior year last time to take test. Should only take a maximum of three tests. Get tutoring summer before senior year if necessary.
Apply for summer internships/jobs
12th Grade
The summer before senior year is a good time for test prep if needed. By August 1st, the application process begins, and families need to decide if their student is applying Early Decision (ED), Restrictive Early Action, or Early Action. The time period between Spring of Junior year and January of Senior year is the most time intensive period of the college application process and about two-thirds of the total time spent. This is when essays and applications are written, and tests are taken, and acceptances are considered.
Start writing personal statement and supplemental essays in August
Schedule Interviews
Take SAT/ACT in Fall if need to
Attend college fairs, college events, admission rep visits or virtual meetings
Follow up with teachers writing letters, make sure they’re aware of deadlines
Choose whether or not to apply Direct to Major and if so, which majors
Submit college applications. ED and EA applications are due 11/1 or 11/15.
ED 2 & regular applications are due in early to mid-January.
Apply for scholarships (local is best)
PARENTS: Complete and submit financial aid applications. The forms become available on October 1st and may be due as early as November 1st.
Research if/how colleges require SAT/ACT scores delivered to them, send
Follow up on transcript and teacher/counselor letter submissions
If admitted Early Decision, withdraw from other schools
Decisions come in. If you need financial aid, wait to accept until all financial aid packages are in. Appeal if necessary. If you are waitlisted at a favorite college, write a letter of appeal including recent achievements.