Preparing for college is practically a full-time commitment. It requires a carefully calibrated schedule that accommodates multiple deadlines.

But no fear! Follow this college application timeline to stay one step ahead of the application process.

The College Application Timeline: Junior Year

March

Ideally, you should begin preparing for college now. Decide whether to take the SAT or the ACT, and register for one (if you feel prepared). Think about what kind of college you want to attend:

• Urban or rural?
• Large or small?
• Public or private?

Then schedule a campus visit – the first of many.

April

Continue to refine your college preferences. Start researching potential college majors. Register for the June SAT. Inquire about college fairs or visiting representatives.

May & June

Take the SAT. Finish your Junior year in good academic standing. Prepare a professional one-page resume and apply for internships or summer positions related to your career interests.

Summer

Gain experience through work or volunteer opportunities. Continue researching and visiting colleges.

The College Application Timeline: Senior Year

September

Determine how many colleges you plan to apply to (probably 6-10), and note each school’s application deadlines. Register for SAT or TOEFL exams if necessary. Register for the ACT if necessary. Choose teachers or counselors who will write your letters of recommendation.

October

Begin researching financial aid options and scholarship opportunities. Draft a sample college admission essay and ask a teacher or counselor to critique it. Schedule one or two campus visits. Receive letters of recommendation and college applications.

November

Take the SAT if necessary. Schedule two or more campus visits. Complete college applications, keeping in mind that most early admission deadlines fall between November 1st and 15th.

December

Complete all remaining college applications and submit. Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

January

Submit FAFSA and begin completing scholarship applications.

February

Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy. Finish remaining scholarship applications.

March

Some colleges and universities declare March as their final application deadline, so be sure that all of your materials have been submitted by this time.

April

Review college acceptance letters and consider which offer to accept.

May

Accept an admission offer by May 15th and notify any schools that you have chosen not to attend. Evaluate your annual college tuition and determine what loans you will apply for. Write thank you letters to teachers and counselors who helped you.

June

Request a final transcript from your high school and, finally, graduate!

As you can see, the college application process is long and intricate. The sooner you start considering college and career goals, the easier the process becomes.

But be advised: this is only the first part of a much longer transition. Now you have to start thinking about packing for college and adjusting to life on an American campus!

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2. Top 5 College Application Mistakes
3. Preparing for College Applications Before Senior Year
4. Why Colleges Eliminate Application Fees

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