College journey is exciting and transformative. I resumed my college years timid and unexpectant; nonetheless, I graduated with lifelong knowledge and relationships.
Therefore, if you’re feeling unprepared and nervous, trust me; I’ve been there and done that.
I have provided a comprehensive overview of college life, highlighting what to do (and what not to do) to ensure you don’t sink this monumental voyage.
Navigating the college application timeline is critical, and a thorough understanding of it can help you stay organized and increase your chances of successful admission.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through each stage of the college application process, from early preparation to decision day. Additionally, you’ll discover a handy year-round tailored timeline outlining the key milestones and actions to take at each stage of your application.
In your freshman year of high school, build relationships with teachers and counselors, take AP classes, create an effective schedule, understand your preferred study methods, engage in clubs and sports, explore various interests, choose your courses wisely, and start early with extracurricular activities while focusing on continuous progress and improvement.
Most high schoolers enter college naively and are overwhelmed by their subjects and advanced materials.
Prepare yourself beforehand by taking AP, IB, and other academically demanding courses (including Honors, dual enrollment, and CLEP) during your high school years to make sure you transition easily.
Focus on the fundamental fields of study, such as Mathematics, Science, English, and History. These classes make college easier and boost your chances of acceptance.
You can prepare for college in your sophomore and junior years by taking courses, attending career fairs, seeking mentorship, researching colleges, and getting ready for standardized tests including the PSAT/NMSQT. Furthermore, explore scholarship opportunities, visit campuses, and consider top programs in your desired major.
The college application process follows a well-defined schedule, with specific deadlines for submitting materials.
As a junior student, practice standardized tests, such as the PSAT, to prepare for critical exams (including the SAT) that will be required for your applications.
Use PSAT practice test to prepare for your SAT exams
You can assess other practice exams including those provided by Khan Academy, and even ask your guidance counselor for beneficial resources.
Your freshman year winter will center around SATs.
Ensure to revise extensively, and give your best. Some students deliberately avoid studying because they plan to retake the tests another season. You will save a lot of time and money (SAT registrations cost approximately $60 in the U.S.) if you get it right the first time.
The time has come! Take your SAT/ACT tests for the first time during the winter. Don’t worry if you get disappointing results; it happens to everyone in their initial attempt.
Identify your mistakes and improve on them. Subsequently, you’ll notice a much better outcome by the time you sit for the test again in spring or fall.
Some colleges may require grades from SAT subject tests. Ensure to take the examination immediately after classes while you still have most of the subject material retained, and the results will surpass your expectations.
College applicants should begin preparing their early decision/early action or rolling admission applications as soon as possible. Colleges may require test scores and applications to be submitted between November 1 November 15 for early decision admission.
Applicants should request letters of recommendation from counselors or teachers if needed.
In spring, the final phase of exam season commences before the summer break. Again, make every effort to achieve desirable outcomes.
In May of each year, the AP exams commence, which provides an incredible opportunity to earn additional credit toward admission to your target colleges.
Summer has come! However, don’t use up your free time just relaxing; this is the perfect opportunity to prepare for college.
Use this time to draft applications, set financial aid plans, research, and prepare for interviews. To draft applications for both admission and financial aid, consult your student guidance counselor for help.
It’s best to draft your application essay as soon as you can to allow for additional time on studies and exams in your senior year.
Start the initial draft in the summer of your junior year, and subsequently revise and improve it throughout your senior year. Trust me, you’ll thank me for this!
Research your desired colleges and check for those that offer optional interviews. Perform an exhaustive analysis of their requirements. Thereafter, conduct a simulated interview with a teacher, friend, or family member, and ensure to document their feedback.
During the summer break, assess which teachers are willing to put in a good recommendation letter for you. Preferably, they should be from your essential subjects, such as Science, Mathematics, and English.
Next, give your teachers a summarized list of reasons why you chose them as your recommenders and your perception of your performance in their courses.
Sit with your family to discuss your financial aid plan for college. Tuition payments can be challenging, and although numerous reasons exist for students dropping out, having a well-thought-out financial strategy can help mitigate financial constraints.
Therefore, utilize resources such as net price calculators on the websites of prospective colleges and outline all the deadlines you have to meet.
When applying for financial aid, submit your:
Start your scholarship applications early and continue throughout the school year.
Many seniors apply for a wide range of scholarships (over 30 in some cases) to maximize their opportunities.
To ensure you have a better chance of getting a scholarship than your peers, consider local options and colleges that require admission essays since most students steer clear of those out of fear.
Documents needed for scholarships vary according to the college and scholarship provider. However, these documents are commonly required:
Senior year of high school can be a whirlwind of homework, deadlines, college research, and applications. Stay focused; nevertheless, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Keep organized, talk to your college counselor, and address financial considerations with your parents. It’s a year of transition, both for students and parents, as you prepare for the next phase of your educational journey.
For many, the senior year can be the busiest when it comes to college applications.
Therefore, it is essential to have drafts of all the requirements needed to submit applications to your target colleges readily available. Retake any tests that you might be dissatisfied with, apply for financial aid, and gather necessary profiles and portfolios. You have no more time to waste!
Consider sending in an early decision application if you’re certain about a specific college. These are typically due in November and you commit to attending the designated college if accepted.
You’ll get an early decision with early action schools; however, you can wait until the regular decision deposit deadline to make your final decision.
Typically, you need the following documents and information to complete the application process:
You might need to submit the CSS profile in fall if you’re applying early to certain schools, even though you can not fill out the FAFSA(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) until after October 1. Keep this in mind for early applications.
Send your official SAT and/or ACT score reports together with your application forms, letters of recommendation, essays, and other required documents to the early application schools of your interest
. You can do this through the College Board and ACT Student websites for SAT and ACT, respectively.
Stay confident and relaxed for your early admissions interviews. Some early action/decision schools conduct interviews in the fall.
Remember, you’ve already prepared by doing your research, thus, these interviews are more about having a friendly conversation rather than stressing you.
Exam season has commenced. Now is the time to retake any tests you might have performed poorly and polish your grades.
It is a good idea to take SAT subject tests right after you’ve finished the related class during the fall if required by prospective colleges. This way, the material is still fresh in your memory, and you’ll be well-prepared.
Expect feedback by December regarding your admission if you have applied early to your target colleges.
Similarly, you should receive an estimated financial aid package around the same time if your financial aid forms were submitted early.
You might have to submit an enrollment deposit in the winter of your senior year if you filed for early decision and the financial aid offer from the school seems favorable.
Contact the school and inquire about the potential of a fee waiver if the expense of the deposit worries you.
For regular decision applications, most institutions have deadlines between January 1 and March 1 of each year.
Early decision deadlines mean applying to a college earlier and getting an admission decision around December. Unlike regular application, you’re bound to attend if admitted.
Some colleges offer a second early decision deadline in December/January. Compared to early action, both have earlier deadlines and decisions, but early decision is binding, while early action is not.
Here are the common college application materials needed for high school students:
Forward your official SAT and ACT score report along with your application forms, letters of recommendation, essays, and other required materials to the regular decision schools you’re applying to. These schools will also need your official test scores. You can send them using the College Board (for SAT) and ACT Student (for ACT) websites.
Approach your regular decision interviews with confidence. Some regular decision schools conduct interviews in the winter. Remember, you’ve already prepared by sitting for other interviews and conducting research hence, approach them with a sense of ease and not apprehension.
Complete and send in your FAFSA. It’s crucial for federal financial aid, and you can start submitting it after October 1 during your senior year.
Many schools prioritize early financial aid applications; therefore, it’s beneficial to submit yours as soon as possible.
Complete and submit the CSS profile or any other school-specific financial aid forms in addition to the FAFSA. These forms help determine your eligibility for financial aid at certain institutions.
Again, submitting these forms makes you more eligible for aid as some schools allocate aid on a first-come, first-served basis.
In spring, gather all the documents you’ll need for application, registration, financial aid, and scholarships.
To avoid last-minute stress and potential hurdles, it’s advisable to process all required paperwork well in advance of college entry.
Update your FAFSA and CSS profile applications with the latest information from your tax returns if you initially estimated your financial details.
Keeping these forms up-to-date with accurate information is essential for determining your financial aid eligibility.
Provide your tax transcripts for verification if requested. Ensure the accuracy of your financial information.
To do this, you need to send copies of your tax transcripts or those of your parents to the college that has asked for them.
For regular decision applications, expect to receive your admission decision, which can be an acceptance, rejection, or waitlist, typically in March or April.
After you’ve been accepted, colleges will provide you with a financial aid package. This package includes loans, work and study options, and grants.
Compare these financial aid packages with those of other target colleges to determine which one best suits your financial needs.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the college’s financial aid office to discuss a financial aid appeal in case your family’s financial situation has changed or if a college’s financial aid package doesn’t meet your needs.
It’s crucial to do this as soon as possible to ensure adjustments to your financial aid package based on your updated circumstances.
You need these documents:
To secure your spot at a college after receiving a regular decision acceptance, submit your enrollment deposit. The deadline for submission is typically on or before May 1.
Contact the school and inquire about the possibility of obtaining a fee waiver if you’re concerned about the cost of the deposit.
Prepare for and take your AP Exams. These exams, offered every May, offer you a chance to earn college credit and showcase your knowledge in advanced subjects.
You’ve made it through high school! Congrats!
This is your last summer before college starts; therefore, ensure you are well-prepared for the years ahead by familiarizing yourself with every aspect of your chosen college.
After you’ve finalized the decision on which target college to pursue, stay organized by keeping up with any enrollment paperwork and requirements.
The college will send you updates regarding scheduling, housing, orientation, and other important details. To guarantee a seamless and trouble-free transition into your college life, ensure to complete all required documentation before deadlines.
Following the aforementioned steps can help prepare you for college years. Good luck!
Throughout Your Highschool Years:
From Your Freshman Year to Junior Year:
From Your Senior Year to Graduation:
This guide will help you feel more confident as you navigate the college application process through appropriate use of the details therein.
Furthermore, prioritize applications to colleges that align with your academic and personal goals, rather than focusing solely on acceptance.
As you begin your time in college, remember to stay prepared, be loyal to yourself, and enjoy the experience. Buckle up!
