Summer

Before junior year of high school

• Gather information on your career interests.
• Identify postsecondary education programs.
• Generate a list of at least 10 possible institutions to attend.
• Create general criteria for admission and develop a plan to meet those criteria.
• Begin to develop a college timeline (test dates, application deadlines, etc.).
• Talk with your family about your education plans.

Fall

Junior year of high school

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
• Register for the SAT/ACT.
• Request college view books, catalogs, etc.
• Attend local college fairs and campus open houses.
• Refine college search.
• Go online to find additional information about colleges and programs.

Spring

Junior year of high school

• Take the SAT/ACT.
• Review college publications and materials.
• Review specific admissions criteria.
• Research private scholarship resources.
• Visit colleges.
• Attend a financial aid information session with your parents, mentor, or guardian.
• Request college admission applications.

Summer

Before senior year of high school

• Gather basic information for college admission applications.
• Develop college essays.
• Visit colleges.
• Record and track admissions materials; prepare timeline of application and admission deadlines.
• Continue search for private scholarships.

Fall

Senior year of high school

• Work on college applications regularly.
• Complete applications and finalize essays.
• Attend college fairs.
• Review and revise timeline.
• Take the SAT/ACT.
• Complete scholarship applications.

Winter/Spring

Senior year of high school

• Gather information for financial aid applications (January/February).
• Complete financial aid applications.
• Follow up on applications.
• Review admission and financial aid offers.
• Make financial decisions and submit required deposits and documents.

Summer

Before freshman year of college

• Finalize your budget.
• Apply for private loans if more funding is needed.
• Follow up and finalize private loan applications.
• Attend orientation.
• Pack and get ready for college!