TIMELINE
NINTH & TENTH GRADE
FOCUS ON ACADEMICS
Take rigorous courses & dedicate yourself to doing your best to establish a strong high school transcript.
TAKE THE PSAT
This practice test will be your first exposure to the SAT and will give you a sense of your strengths & weaknesses.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Immerse yourself in meaningful activities that exhibit your talents & allow you to explore your interests.
MAXIMIZE SUMMERS
Make the most of your summer break. Identify academic programs, community service, or travel opportunities.
ELEVENTH GRADE
TAKE THE PSAT/NMSQT
Use this year’s test not only to indicate your current testing abilities but also to take the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
PREP FOR SAT/ACT
Take practice SAT and ACT tests to determine your best test. Create a test taking plan. Meet regularly with a tutor for test prep.
TAKE SAT/ACT
Focus on prepping for and taking your tests. Plan to take the test 2-3 times during 11th grade to reach your goal score.
LEARN ABOUT COLLEGES
To begin forming a college list, learn more about schools & programs by taking college tours, attending admissions events, and exploring college websites.
CRAFT YOUR COLLEGE LIST
Create a list of your best fit schools to include safety, target, and reach schools.
WRITE COLLEGE ESSAYS
Focus on crafting your application essays to exhibit your unique strengths & passions.
GET ORGANIZED
Create a detailed spreadsheet with application deadlines, requirements, & details.
CREATE APPLICATION ACCOUNTS
Set up your online college applications & begin filling them out with your personal data.
TWELFTH GRADE
REQUEST LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Ask teachers who know you best to write letters on your behalf.
WORK ON APPLICATIONS
Fill out your college applications, and be sure to compile and attach all necessary documents.
DEMONSTRATE INTEREST
Contact admissions representatives from each of your colleges and arrange interviews, if possible.
APPLY
Submit completed applications and send in all additional documents including test scores, transcripts, & letters of recommendation.
GET ACCEPTED!
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE IT!