It’s never too early to start taking steps toward a college education. Students can use this comprehensive timeline to help make sure they’re accomplishing everything they need to on time:

Freshman year

• Begin talking with your counselor about colleges and careers.
• Enroll in college-preparatory or tech-prep courses.
• Work on those grades. Grades you earn in ninth grade will be included in your final high school GPA and class rank. Grades really do count toward college admission and scholarships.
• Explore your interests and possible careers; take advantage of Career Day opportunities.
• Get involved in extracurricular activities (both school and nonschool-sponsored).
• Talk to your parents about planning for college expenses.
• Look at the college information available in your counselor’s office as well as school and public libraries. Use the Internet to check out college Web sites.
• Tour a nearby college, if possible.
• Investigate summer enrichment programs.

Sophomore year

FALL

• In October, take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test for practice. When you fill out your test sheet, check the box that releases your name to colleges so you can start receiving brochures from them.
• Ask your guidance counselor about the American College Testing program’s PLAN assessment program that helps determine your study habits and academic progress and interests.
• Take geometry if you have not already done so. Take biology and a second year of a foreign language.
• Become familiar with general college entrance requirements.
• Participate in your school’s or state’s career development activities.

WINTER

• Discuss your PSAT score with your counselor.
• The people who read college applications aren’t looking just for grades. Get involved in activities outside school. Work toward leadership positions in the activities that you like best. Become involved in community service and other volunteer activities.
• Read, read, read — as many books as possible from a comprehensive reading list.
• Work on your writing skills — you’ll need them no matter what you do. Find a teacher or another adult who will advise and encourage you to write well.

SPRING

• Keep your grades up. You want the highest grade point average and class rank possible.
• Ask your counselor about postsecondary enrollment options and Advanced Placement courses.
• Begin zeroing in on the type of college you would prefer (two-year or four-year, small or large, rural or urban).
• If you are interested in attending a military academy, now is the time to start planning and getting information.
• Write to colleges and ask for their academic requirements for admission.
• Visit a few more college campuses. Read all of the mail you receive from colleges.
• Attend college fairs.
• Keep putting money away for college. Get a summer job.
• Consider taking SAT II Subject Tests in the courses you took this year while the material is still fresh in your mind.

These tests are offered in May and June.

Junior year

FALL

• Check your class rank.
• If you didn’t do so in 10th grade, sign up for and take the PSAT/NMSQT.
• Make a list of colleges that meet your most important criteria.
• If you want to participate in Division I or Division II sports in college, start the certification process. Check with your counselor to make sure you are taking a core curriculum that meets NCAA requirements.
• If you are interested in one of the military academies, talk to your guidance counselor about starting the application process now.

WINTER

• Collect information about college application procedures, entrance requirements, tuition and fees, room and board costs, student activities, course offerings, faculty composition, accreditation, and financial aid.
• Begin narrowing down your college choices. Find out if the colleges you are interested in require the SAT I, ACT Assessment, or SAT II Subject Tests for admission.
• Register for the ACT Assessment, which is usually taken in April or June. .
• Begin preparing for the tests you’ve decided to take.

SPRING

• Meet with your counselor to review senior-year course selection and graduation requirements.
• Register to take the ACT Assessment and/or SAT I again if you’d like to try to improve your score.
• Discuss the college essay with your guidance counselor or English teacher.
• Inquire about personal interviews at your favorite colleges.
• See your counselor to apply for on-campus summer programs for high school students. Apply for a summer job or internship.
• Request applications from schools you’re interested in.

SUMMER

• Visit the campuses of your top-five college choices.
• After each college interview, send a thank-you letter to the interviewer.
• Complete the final application forms or apply online.
• Compose rough drafts of your college essays. Have a teacher read and discuss them with you. Prepare final drafts and proofread them at least three times.

Senior year

FALL

• Make sure you have taken the courses necessary to graduate in the spring.
• To male students: you must register for Selective Service on your 18th birthday to be eligible for federal and state financial aid.
• Make a calendar showing application deadlines for admission, financial aid, and scholarships.
• Check resource books, computer programs, and your guidance office for scholarship and grant information. Ask colleges about scholarships for which you may qualify.
• Give recommendation forms to the teachers you have chosen, along with stamped, self-addressed envelopes so your teachers can send them directly to the colleges. Talk to recommendation writers about your goals and ambitions.
• Give School Report forms to your high school’s guidance office. Verify with your guidance counselor the schools to which transcripts, test scores, and letters are to be sent. Give your counselor any necessary forms at least two weeks before they are due or whenever your counselor’s deadline is, whichever is earlier.
• Register for and take the ACT Assessment, SAT I, or SAT II Subject Tests, as necessary.
• Be sure you have requested that your test scores be sent to the colleges of your choice.
• Mail or send electronically any college applications for early-decision admission by Nov. 1.
• If possible, visit colleges while classes are in session.
• If you plan to apply for an ROTC scholarship, remember that your application is due by Dec. 1.

WINTER

• Send midyear grade reports to colleges.
• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and, if necessary, Financial Aid PROFILE. These forms can be obtained from your guidance counselor or at www.fafsa.ed.gov to download the forms or to file electronically. These forms may not be processed before Jan. 1, so don’t send them before.
• Mail or send electronically any remaining applications and financial aid forms before winter break.
• Follow up to make sure that the colleges have received all application information.
• Meet with your counselor to verify that all applicable forms are in order and have been sent out to colleges.

SPRING

• Watch your mail between March 1 and April 1 for acceptance notifications from colleges.
• Watch your mail for notification of financial aid awards between April 1 and May 1.
• Make your final choice, and notify all schools of your intent by May 1. Send your nonrefundable deposit to your chosen school by May 1 as well. Request that your guidance counselor send a final transcript to the college in June.
• Be sure that you have received a FAFSA acknowledgment.
• If you applied for a Pell Grant (on the FAFSA), you will receive the Student Aid Report statement. Review this Pell notice, and forward it to the college you plan to attend.
• Complete follow-up paperwork for the college of your choice (scheduling, orientation session, housing arrangements, and other necessary forms).

SUMMER

• If applicable, apply for a Stafford Loan through a lender.
• Receive the orientation schedule and residence hall assignment from your college.
• Obtain course scheduling and cost information from your college.