September:

• Stay focused on grades (applies through the ENTIRE year)
• Start brainstorming/creating rough drafts of college essays
• Join clubs/volunteer if you don’t have many hours
• Take ACT for the last time

October:

• Gather list of “safety” and “stretch” schools
• Send test scores to colleges
• Begin, if you haven’t already, on college applications
• Begin college essay
• Consider making your own calendar of application deadlines

November:

• Finalize college essays
• Get in touch with counselor about colleges, essays, and references
• Complete college applications and mail in
• Request key financial aid and scholarship information from your list of colleges

December:

• If you applied early to colleges, expect answers this month
• Start detailed financial aid search, including outside sources for scholarships and loans

January:

• If applying for financial aid, get started on preparations by obtaining a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form

February

• Complete FAFSA
• Keep track of your college applications; be sure all schools have received all your materials

March

• Finalize financial aid applications
• Continue searching and applying for scholarships and grants
• College decision letters begin arriving

April

• Make decision about college choice from among the colleges that accepted you
• Submit tuition deposit to your college of choice
• Notify all colleges (that accepted you) of your final decision

May

• Be sure to submit paperwork for room and board

June

• Celebrate your high school success!
• Write thank you notes to all teachers/mentors that helped you
• Start planning for college
• Watch college’s summer deadlines (orientations, housing options, registration, etc.) closely

July

• Register for fall courses at your college