College planning for high school seniors and juniors -
Important Dates and Deadlines 2021-2022
Senior College Planning Timeline Overview
November
Ensure that your school has submitted your Transcripts and Letters of Recommendation.
Finish completing college applications and essays.
Complete FAFSA and CSS profile.
Submit applications for early admission programs.
Check college deadlines for the FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid profile.
December
Start researching summer internships and jobs related to your career interests.
Watch for early admissions notices.
Organize scholarships, certificates, articles, etc. to illustrate your achievements - and create a portfolio to display them.
Develop a resume to highlight your activities, achievements and work history.
January
Sign up for the ACT test by Jan 7. The test will be administered Feb. 12.
Complete any application not already due.
Encourage your parents to gather their tax documents early- tax information is required for FAFSA.
Re-check college deadlines for deadlines for the FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid profile. One or both may be required in Feb.
Remember to look for the Student Aid Report from FAFSA, which will arrive in 1 to 10 days when submitted electronically.
February
Sign up for the SAT test by Feb. 11; the test will be administered March 12.
Sign up for the ACT test by Feb 25; the test will be administered April 2.
Did you file your FAFSA? FAFSA.ed.gov
March
Sign up for the ACT test by March 8; test will be administered April 13.
Decision letters from colleges begin to arrive.
Visit colleges again if you are undecided about which one to choose.
April
Sign up for the SAT test by April 1; the test will be administered May 7.
Compare your offers of admission and financial aid. Discuss with family and counselors.
Research housing choices and meal plans at colleges.
May
Decision time - Which college will you attend?
Junior College Planning Timeline Overview
September - November
Evaluate and adjust course roadmap
Meet with academic advisor
Select manageable and challenging classes that you are interested in
Register and take PSAT, SAT or ACT Test
Meet with College Counselor
Research and build a college list for yourself, not your parents
December-February
Review your test scores from fall test and determine if you need to take second test
Prepare for a second SAT or ACT test if you aren't happy with the score
Make sure you have at least 60 hours of volunteer work completed
Determine who you want to write your college recommendation letters and ask them now
Start scholarship research
Get educated on financial aid merit vs need-based
Plan college visits for spring break, for in person visits.
Include virtual college visits in your research
Sign up for AP tests and discuss with academic advisor
March-May
Review your test scores from spring test and determine if you need to repeat test
Do you need test prep? Self paced? Hire a tutor? Attend a class?
Create a resume for summer jobs and college interviews
Visit colleges most important on your list
Do you want to take a GAP year? Investigate gap year programs
Create a productive summer plan
Meet with academic advisor regarding senior class lists and requirements
Take AP tests
June-August
Summer plans could include working, summer school, volunteer work, starting a business
Review your test scores from spring and determine if you need to repeat the test
Do you need test prep?
Plan and attend college visits either in-person or virtually.
Interview if available while visiting colleges, if you are ready
Review common application for essay prompts
September of senior year
Sign up for SAT or ACT tests
Keep your grades on a upward trend
Finalize your college list
Chart out college application types : early decision, early action, rolling admissions, and regular admissions include due dates
Confirm with teachers you ask to write recommendations letters
Meet with college counselor and academic advisor
Breath, there are over 3000 colleges
Good Luck
What to do when your high school senior has college admissions interviews coming up?
Want more details checkout our blog on college admissions interviewing.
It’s that time of year, college admissions interviews! We know that high school parents have seen how stressful the fall of Senior year can be. What with keeping up grades, taking admissions tests, filling out applications, securing recommendations, and engaging in sports and extracurriculars – then throw admissions interviews in the mix! Yikes!
After the interview, the college interviewer will usually fill out a personal interview report that will assess intellectual curiosity, extracurricular distinction, and personal qualities.
Remember, the key to finding happiness in college is “finding the best fit” for your student given their college and career goals. After your student has prepared, take a deep breath, relax, and remember that a good interviewer will want your student to succeed just as much as you do!
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