This is a general guide to the typical 4-yr college process. For more a more detailed look at the college planning process, please visit the Checklists and Timelines webpage.
Freshman Year
Get good grades
Get involved in school activities
Do volunteer work/community service
Start researching careers and shadow people in the field of interest
Sophomore Year
Continue working hard in classes
Take challenging courses (Honors, AP)
Take the PSAT
Get more focused with career interests
Start making lists of wants/needs in a college
Have a discussion with family about financial aid
Start visiting colleges and attending open houses
Junior Year
Continue working hard in classes
Continue to take challenging courses
Stay involved in activities and begin taking leadership positions
Take PSAT for second time
Start studying and practicing for the SAT
Take SAT or ACT in spring
Make college visits
Start narrowing college search list
Think about people whom you would like to write you college recommendations
Attend financial aid nights and college fairs
Senior Year
SUMMER
Get a college list somewhere between 3-10 schools
Study for second SAT/ACT
Save money from part-time job for college applications/trips
Visit colleges that may be farther away which you are unable to visit during the school year
Think about college essay topics
FALL
Keep track of deadlines for applications and start applying
Be aware of early deadlines. Make sure to talk with counselor about it and request the proper documents in a timely manner
Request recommendations
Complete scholarship survey
Visit colleges and set up interviews if necessary
Take SAT/ACT for the second time
Attend financial aid nights
WINTER
Continue applying to regular deadline colleges
Complete FAFSA after January 1
Start looking into and applying for scholarships
SPRING
Receive college decision letters
Receive financial aid award letters and compare
Complete all scholarship applications in which you are eligible
Make a final college decision by May 1 and put a deposit down to hold your place in next year’s freshman class
Complete all graduation requirements and start preparing for the next four years!