SENIOR COLLEGE APPLICATION TIMELINE
FIRST STEP : Check out our College & Career page for info on college, career and scholarship searches!
September –
- Select about eight colleges that meet your criteria, are a good fit, and achievable, and start applying.
- Determine the application requirements, deadlines, and financial aid. You can find this information on their websites.
- Find out which of these colleges accept the Common Application or Universal Application
- Start looking for Private Scholarships
- Start working on the applications and the essays
- Take any tests you still need, and have your scores sent to the colleges
- If you need to take a college entrance exam, register now.
October –
- Complete the Free Application for Student Federal Aid (FASFA). This will help to determine if you are eligible to receive funds from college grants, work-study funds, federal loans, and some state-based aid. You can apply for financial aid starting October 1st until June 30th prior to your freshman year. It is better to start applying sooner rather than later.
- Research and apply for as many scholarships as you can. This Federal Student Aid website can help you do that.
- California Residents: Apply for the Cal Grant. Please note that you will need to create a WebGrants 4 Students account and make sure that your GPA is on file before the March 2nd deadline.
- Ask your teacher and possibly other adults for Letters of Recommendation.
- Complete the Financial Aid Profile and CSS if requested by the colleges
- SATs: Most schools have suspended the SAT requirement for the next year or two because of the pandemic, but not all schools! Be sure to research the college you want to attend to see if you will need to take the SAT and when the deadline to take it will be. If you do need to take the SAT, you may register for the test through College Board. Be sure to check the SAT dates and deadlines when registering.
- Remember, December is the last time to take an exam for college admission consideration.
- Continue working on your college applications
November –
- File your application for college ( some schools only accept from Nov 1-30)
- Have your transcripts sent to the colleges to which you apply
- Continue working on your applications
- Take any tests you have left to take
December –
- Take your last test if needed
- Finish your applications
- Submit your completed applications if they accept them after Nov 30th
January / February –
- Complete the FAFSA form if you haven’t already
- Submit your mid year reports to the colleges that require them (7th semester transcript)
March / April –
- Colleges will let you know about their offers of admission and financial aid awards
- Weigh all the factors and select the college that best fits you academically, spiritually, personally, and financially.