The fall will be your busiest time for college applications. It is important to begin working on your applications as early as possible. The summer before your senior year is a good time to start.
As you complete your applications, make sure all of your information is accurate, complete, and submitted by the application deadlines. Keep copies of all applications for your files.
Also, take this time to meet with college representatives and attend college fairs. Continue visiting schools whenever possible. It is also a good time to search for scholarships. And don’t forget to secure your teacher recommendations. Register to take the SAT and/or ACT if you plan on taking it again. The dates are listed at www.collegeboard.com (SAT) or www.act.org (ACT). Finally, do your best in school. Senior year does count!
September
- All month. Continue to contact colleges and visit college websites as you refine your college list. Complete your list of schools and keep it to a reasonable number.
- Ask teachers for letters of recommendation.
- If you haven't already started, begin writing your college essays.
- Make a master calendar for yourself and include: test dates and deadlines; college application due dates; required financial aid applications and deadlines; recommendations, transcripts, and other necessary materials for each application; list of required essays; list of application supplements for Common Application schools, artistic supplement requirements and deadlines, if appropriate; and deadlines for application requests, such as your transcript.
- Register for the Sat and ACT as required.
- You may begin applying to schools with rolling admissions.
- Go to your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, blogs, and other social networking sites. Remove anything you would not be proud to have college admissions officers look at - some will. Change settings as necessary, so that your friends cannot post inappropriate items on any part of your site that is visible to admissions officers.
October
- Complete your CSS/Financial Aid/PROFILE online. Forms are available at College Board Online. Students applying for financial aid at private colleges should register online.
- October 15 - November 15. Early Decision, Early Action, and Rolling Admission deadlines. Check with the individual colleges for more information.
- Continue editing your application essays.
- File early decision, early action, and/or rolling admission applications, if any.
- Follow up on your letters of recommendation.
- Continue to be involved in extracurricular activities and assume leadership positions.
- Register for the SAT and ACT as required.
November
- UC and CSU application filing period.
- Prepare applications for private colleges and universities.
- If you are applying for financial aid, apply for your PIN at www.pin.ed.gov.
- Register for the SAT and ACT as required.
- Most Early Decision and Early Action deadlines.
- UC and CSU application deadline.
December
- FAFSA practice worksheets are available online at studentaid.gov/resources#fafsa.
- 3 SAT (usually the last one colleges will accept)
- 10 ACT (usually the last one colleges will accept)
- Request that score reports are sent to every school you are applying to.
- 15-20 Early Decision and Early Action decisions announced around this time. If accepted, follow instructions.
- Late December. Application deadline for many private colleges and universities.
January
- Attend financial aid night presentation.
- Fill out the FAFSA after January 1. Remind parents to complete income tax forms ASAP (advisable for FAFSA application). Fill out any additional financial aid forms required by your colleges. (See Financial Aid Overview).
- Request your Guidance Counselor submit mid-year reports from colleges that require them.
February
- Complete financial aid forms and continue looking for scholarships.
- Attend scholarship notebook meeting and begin working on your notebook. Watch for the deadline. Identify and apply for additional scholarships.
- Students planning on attending a CSU should sign up for the English and math placement tests unless they are exempt. Tests are at CSU campuses and continue throughout the spring.
- Students planning on attending a California Community College should sign up for placement tests on individual school websites.
March
- Watch deposit deadlines for housing.
- Online registration for California Community Colleges.
- Deadline for filing FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE. Be sure to view your Student Aid Report when it arrives and make any necessary changes.
- 15 - 30 UC admission notifications.
- Compare financial aid packages among schools.
- Visit schools where you have been accepted and make your final decision.
- Contact your college's financial aid office for any forms you may need to complete.
- 1 - 15 Most application decision notifications. Congratulations! If you are waitlisted, consult with your Guidance Counselor.
May
- Take AP exams. They may lead to college credits.
- Clear any library or textbook fines.
- 1 National candidate reply date. Deadline to make your final decision and notify all schools where you have been accepted about your decision. You can only commit to one college or university. Please let schools that you will not be attending know that. Make your deposit as needed.
June
- Send your final transcript to colleges.
- Graduation
- Start preparing for the year ahead! Be sure to fill out and return all tuition, housing, and other forms on time.