College Counseling Timeline
Freshman and Sophomore Year
1. Participate in an aggressive academic program.
2. Demonstrate excellence outside of the classroom.
Junior Year
3. Attend student/parent meeting in the fall of junior year.
4. Attend individual meeting in January to review file and determine range of college choice.
5. Begin compiling a list of potential colleges.
6. Request information.
Senior Year - Summer and Fall
7. The summer before the senior year is the final opportunity for significant summer activity.
8. Students who took the SAT in May should receive scores in the summer. Review scores and
determine if a retake is prudent.
9. Finalize list of colleges and decide upon early decision or early action applications.
10. If seeking financial aid, parents must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA). It is extremely helpful to have completed your family's income tax forms early, as
they must be submitted as a part of the financial aid materials.
11. Request applications. Ascertain which colleges utilize the Common Application. It is
recommended that students not use the Common Application if applying early decision or early action.
12. Ascertain which standardized tests are required and register for them.
13. Request letters of recommendation for faculty at least one month prior to their due date.
14. Submit the college counselor/registrar portion of the applications to Mrs. Meyer at least
two weeks prior to the due date.
15. Complete the college essay and submit to Mrs. Meyer for review. Revise if necessary.
16. Complete the student portion of all applications and mail.
Senior Year - Spring
17. Weigh acceptance, rejection, and wait list letters for regular, early decision, and early action applications.
18. Complete applications for honors colleges if admitted to a state university system.
19. Complete any applications with a February or March deadline.
20. Make a choice. This is the time for final college visits, financial aid questions, and financial aid negotiations.
Early Decision/Action applications are due November 15.
All other application deadlines range from December 15 to March 1.
