University Timeline

Freshman Year

  • Schedule an appointment with your school counselor to discuss career goals.
  • Earn the best grades you can.
  • Take the most challenging (but appropriate) courses you can.

Sophomore Year

  • Stay in touch with your school counselor.
  • If your school offers it, take the PSAT or PLAN in the fall.
  • Earn the best grades you can.
  • Continue to take the most challenging courses you can.
  • Talk with you counselor, and schedule testing for the SAT and/or ACT.

Junior Year Fall Semester

  • Junior year grades are important; stay focused!
  • Gather all the information you can about colleges.
  • Talk with your parents about financing college.
  • Continue to remain involved in activities; try to move into positions of responsibility or leadership.
  • Take the SAT and/or ACT.
  • Develop an initial list of colleges in which you show the most interest.

Junior Year Spring Semester

  • Schedule a meeting with your school counselor to begin the college process.
  • Make some preliminary visits to colleges during fall and spring Previews.
  • Attend as many college fairs as possible.
  • Research colleges, collect and organize information.
  • Contact admissions offices of colleges you are interested in, ask questions and get to know the admissions counselor.

Senior Year Fall Semester

  • Don't forget how important your grades continue to be: the first semester/ trimester is critical. 
  • Get recommendations from teachers, counselors and other influential people in your life.
  • Retake the SAT and/or ACT as many times as possible.
  • Be certain of all deadlines for application, financial aid, housing, etc.
  • Send applications to the top three schools on your list.
  • Have your High School send transcripts to the colleges for which you applied.
  • Remain involved in activities which you enjoy, assume leadership positions and more responsibility. Spring Semester
  • Early January, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and send to your top three schools.
  • Get involved with college life by attending as many events as possible.
  • Wait for acceptance letter.
  • Wait for financial aid award letter.
  • Complete any aid-related forms. Sign and return the award letter by the requested deadlines.
  • Call your Financial Aid Counselor to verify and answer questions.
  • If accepted, complete housing applications and return dorm fees by requested deadlines. 

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