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September • October • November • December • January
February • March • April • May • June • SummerRegister for the October PSAT.
Meet with your guidance counselor to review your courses for this year and plan your schedule for senior year.
Junior year grades are extremely important in the college admission process, because they are a measure of how well you do in advanced, upper-level courses. Grades also are used to determine scholarships and grants for which you may be eligible. So commit to putting in the extra effort to keep those grades up!
Save samples of your best work for your academic portfolio, especially excellent English papers (all year).
Maintain your co-curricular record (all year).Junior year PSAT scores may qualify a student for the National Merit Scholarship Competition and the National Achievement and the National Hispanic Scholars Programs. So, even though these scores will not be used for college admission, it is still a good idea to take the PSAT. The more times you take standardized tests, the more familiar you will become with the format and the types of questions asked. If you wish to receive free information from colleges, indicate on the PSAT test answer form that you want to participate in the Student Search.
Attend the NACAC College or Performing & VIsual Arts Fairs usually held around this time.
Talk to your parents about any limits (e.g., geographical or financial) that may affect where you apply.
If you will require financial aid, start researching your options for grants, scholarships and work-study programs.
Make an appointment with your guidance counselor or start by visiting NACAC's Online Student Resources page to do research on your own using the Internet.
During December you should receive the results of your PSAT. Read your score report and consult your school counselor to determine how you might improve on future standardized tests. The PSAT is excellent preparation for the SAT Reasoning Test, which you should take in the spring.
If you plan to take the ACT, register now for the February ACT. Many colleges accept the ACT (American College Test) or the SAT I. Some colleges require the ACT or the SAT I and the SAT II Subject Tests. When you begin to explore different colleges and universities, double-check to see if they prefer or require the ACT, the SAT I and/or the SAT II Subject Tests.
Think about criteria (size, cost, location, etc.) that are important to you, and begin to make a preliminary list of colleges you would like to investigate further. Surf the Internet and use the college resources in the guidance office or library. Write, telephone, or use the Internet to request admission literature and financial aid information from the colleges on your list. There is no charge and no obligation to obtain general information about admission and financial aid.
If you hope to play a sport at college, start contacting coaches at colleges you are considering.
Ask your parents for your Social Security number (required on many college applications). If you were never issued a Social Security number, contact the closest Social Security office as soon as possible to obtain a number.
When selecting your courses for senior year, be sure to continue to challenge yourself academically. Review graduation requirements with your guidance counselor to insure you are on track.
Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your preliminary list of colleges. Discuss whether your initial list of colleges meets your needs and interests (academic program, size, location, cost, etc.) and whether you are considering colleges where you are likely to be admitted. You should be optimistic but realistic when applying to colleges.Register for the March/April SAT I if you have completed the math courses covered on the SAT I. If not, plan to take the SAT I in May or June.
Start preparing for the SAT I or ACT by signing up for a prep course, using computer software, or doing the SAT/ACT practice tests available in your high school counseling office or at bookstores. But don't spend so much time trying to improve standardized test scores that grades and co-curricular involvement suffer.
Visit regional colleges over Mid-Winter break, especially if they are in session. Phone to set up appointments. Interviews are always a good idea. Many colleges will tell you they are optional, but an interview will show interest, enthusiasm and initiative on your part and provide an excellent opportunity to have your questions answered. Do a practice interview with your counselor, teacher, employer, or a senior who has had college interviews. Set up interviews as early as possible-interview times become booked quickly!
Attend the PNACAC College Fair at the Connolly Center at Seattle University to get more information about colleges on your list.
Register for the May/June SAT I and/or the May/June SAT II Subject Tests. Not all SAT II Subject Tests are given on every test date. Check the calendar carefully to determine when the Subject Tests you want are offered. Register for the June ACT if you want to take that test.
Continue to evaluate your list of colleges and universities. Eliminate colleges from the original list that no longer interest you and add others as appropriate.
Look into summer jobs or apply for special summer academic or enrichment programs. Colleges love to see students using their knowledge and developing their skills and interests.
Visit colleges over Spring Break.
Get a jump start on summer activities. Consider enrolling in an academic course at a local college, pursuing a summer school program, applying for an internship, working, or volunteering. If you work, save part of your earnings for college.
Take the May SAT I or the SAT II Subject Tests.Take AP tests for classes you have been taking junior year.
Approach two or three junior-year teachers to see if they will write recommendations for you.
Sign up for an academically challenging senior year.
Finish your junior year strong!
Take the June SAT I, SAT II Subject Tests, and/or the ACT.
Summer brings another opportunity to visit colleges. Although it is ideal to visit colleges during the academic year, going in the summer will still be valuable. Admission offices employ their students to give tours and answer questions from prospective students and their parents.
As you pursue your extra-curricular interests over the summer, keep a journal of your experiences! This will help when you start to write essays!
Talk to college students who are home for the summer to find out their experiences.
Refine your list of potential colleges and universities.
Visit the Colleges that Change Lives College Fair usually held around this time.
Organize a college application workspace if you haven't already.
Begin preparing for the actual application process: draft the Common Application (including short answer and main essay); collect writing samples; draft a resume; and assemble portfolios or audition tapes.
Complete the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse form if you hope to play Division I or II sports. (This form cannot be mailed until you finish your sixth semester of high school.)Prepare for fall testing, if you are retaking the SAT or ACT.
