When to Begin?
When to Begin?
Wondering when you should begin the college application process? Although much of it depends on your goals and personality, the ideal time for most students is junior year. Don’t wait until senior year to start researching and taking tests. Senior year should be about enjoying your last year of high school, finalizing applications, and making your final decision about where to attend. Get the tests out of the way early on, build your college list, and work on those essays during your junior year or the summer before senior year. Here is a timeline to guide you through the process:
Summer before Junior Year
Visit local colleges and universities in your town or while on vacation with your family.
Make a list of factors that are important to you in a college
Calculate your Expected Financial Contribution using the FAFSA’s website (https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/estimate)
Fall of Junior Year
Same as above + Keep your grades up! (This is the last year to build up that GPA)
Optional:
Prep for the December SAT or ACT
Take the December SAT or ACT
Spring of Junior Year
Prep for the Spring SAT or ACT
Take the Spring SAT or ACT
Don’t forget to plan for subject tests (test dates vary by subject so check the schedule on collegeboard’s website to plan your own personalized testing schedule)
Research university options
Have a financial affordability discussion with your family
Summer before Senior Year
Build your College List
Write the common app essay and supplemental questions
Visit colleges (if possible) or research online.
Research scholarships
Fall & Winter of Senior Year
Finalize your applications
Fill out the FAFSA and/or CSS profile
Ask for letters of recommendations
Make sure your counselors and teachers have submitted all necessary documents
Send test scores
Apply for scholarships
Keep your grades up!
Spring of Senior Year
Receive college responses
Make your decision!
Enjoy the remaining time at home with your family & friends.
