Timeline
Here is a full college application timeline based on everything we have included on this website, broken down by grade level and semester!
Before Senior Year (9-11): Planning Ahead
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- Focus on grades
- Try out clubs, sports, or other activities that interest you
- Build relationships with teachers who could write future recommendation letters
- Begin researching SAT/ACT testing
- Research colleges and start a list of schools that interest you
Spring of Junior Year: Start Preparing
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- Decide if you need to take standardized tests
- Choose either the SAT or ACT
- Make a study schedule for the test you plan to take
- Register for a test
- Take the test, then plan for retakes if needed
- Ask teachers for recommendation letters
Summer Before Senior Year:
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- Finalize your college list
- Visit campuses or do virtual tours
- Create your Common App account
- Draft your personal essay and supplemental essays
- Continue test prep or schedule retakes
- Narrow down your activities list and write the descriptions for Common App
Fall of Senior Year:
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- Make any last updates to your Common App
- Finalize your personal essay and supplementals
- Send your test scores, if you choose
- Submit Early Action/Early Decision applications by October/November
- Submit Regular Decision applications by December/January
After You Apply: What Comes Next
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- Watch your college portals for updates, missing materials and decisions
- You may be accepted, denied, deferred, or waitlisted
- For deferrals/waitlists consider writing a letter of continued interest
- Keep your grades and behavior strong
- Review financial aid offers
- Make your final decision by May 1st, submit your deposit, and complete all required next steps
- Decline offers to other schools you won’t be attending