So, you’re getting ready to head off to college. It’s all super exciting, but it can be overwhelming, too. There are a lot of things that have to get done before you’ll be ready to move into your first dorm room, and keeping track of all of it can be exhausting. In order to be as prepared as possible, follow this timeline to get it all done!
Junior Year
All Year
- Stay involved with activities. Whether it’s having a job, participating in school clubs and sports, or volunteering at your favorite charity, it’s important to have something on your resume to show that you’re passionate about something.
Fall
- Start making a list of colleges that you’re interested in. Note their size, location, cost, the majors they offer, and anything else that you think is important.
- Make sure you’re on track to graduate. Figure out what your GPA and class rank are, and if you need to do anything to boost them.
- Take the PSAT. This test not only will be great practice for the real thing, but your scores can also qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship.
Winter
- Figure out which standardized tests you need and start thinking about when you’re going to take them. If you feel prepared enough, go ahead and take them now!
Spring
- Search for scholarships. Some of the deadlines could be during the summer between junior and senior year, so start the search early. There are a ton of different scholarships out there, so websites like this one could be helpful.
- Narrow down your college list and make appointments to visit.
Summer
- Make a deadline timeline that includes application deadlines, financial aid deadlines, and everything you need for each school – like standardized tests, recommendations, essays, and transcripts.
- Use Net Price Calculators to estimate the affordability of college and jump start the conversation about how you’ll pay for it.
Create a resume of academic accomplishments, extra-curriculars, and work experience. - Work on your application essays. Many colleges will have specific prompts that they will want you to write about, so make sure to research and tailor your essay to the school you’re applying to.
Senior Year
All Year
- Stay on top of your schoolwork and continue being active in your extra-curriculars. Colleges will keep looking at how you’re doing, even after you’ve sent in your application.
Fall
- Finalize your list of college options and decide where you’re going to apply.
- Take standardized tests again, if needed. Studies show that you typically score your best on your second or third try. When you’re happy with your scores, make sure they get sent to each school you’re applying to.
- Stay on top of your deadline calendar and complete your applications.
- Continue searching for scholarships. Some are only available to seniors, so it’s important to do another search.
- Fill out the FAFSA to get your complete financial aid package. The FAFSA opens in October of your senior year. In Missouri, the deadline for priority consideration for state aid is in February. It is best to submit it early to get the most aid.
Spring
- Compare schools that you were accepted to and make your decision. This can be tough, so compare them based on your original criteria and how you felt during your visit.
- Inform every college that you applied to of your decision by May 1. This is the date that most of them will require their enrollment or housing deposits.
- Sign up for orientation and start getting excited for your new adventure!
When applying for college, it’s important not to procrastinate. It can be easy to just say you’ll start tomorrow and then the next day and then the next. Check these off step by step, and you’ll be completely ready when the time finally comes to head off to school!