Timeline

The following general timeline is based on guidelines from the National Association for College Admissions Counseling. If you need more personalized and comprehensive guidance, consider consulting a college advisor.

Throughout High School

• Pursue extracurricular activities that appeal to you.
• Maintain a strong academic record.
• Develop a resume or brag sheet.
• Make good use of your summers—work, volunteer, take a class, prep for the SAT, and so on.
• Continually explore your college and career options, so you'll have a sense for what you want when it comes time to apply.

Sophomore Year

Fall

• In September, talk with your school counselor about potentially taking the PSAT or PLAN. (They are pre-tests for the SAT and ACT, respectively.)

Winter

• Receive PSAT or PLAN results, if applicable, in December or January. Consult a college adviser about your scores to find out what you might need to do, if anything, to improve your standing.

Spring

• Consider signing up to take SAT Subject Tests in June if you have finished any relevant courses.

Junior Year

Fall

• Register for the PSAT in September and take it in October.
• Start researching your options for financial aid, if needed.

Winter

• Receive your PSAT results in December or January. Speak with a college advisor about your scores and consider pursuing SAT prep.
• Begin researching colleges and making a preliminary college list. Discuss your list with an adviser, if possible.

Spring

• Continue to refine your college list, learning more about colleges by visiting campuses, attending college fairs, and researching.
• Get information about admissions and financial aid from the colleges on your list. The colleges' web sites are one good place to look.
• Sign up for and take standardized tests such the SAT, the ACT, and SAT Subject Tests.

Senior Year

Getting ready to apply

• Meet with a college adviser to finalize your college list.
• Make sure you have all paperwork required for applications and financial aid.
• Decide whether to apply Regular Decision, Early Decision, Early Action, etc. Be sure to note all the deadlines, since they can vary greatly.
• Sign up for any last attempts at the SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Tests.
• Confirm the accuracy of your high school transcript.
• Request recommendations, if required.
• Consider planning college visits and setting up interviews, if appropriate.

Applying

• Begin filling out your college applications as early as possible, since the paperwork and essays can be complicated and time consuming. Applications are generally available on each college's web site. Many colleges also accept the Common Application, a shared application form that can save you time.
• Submit your applications on time. Also be sure to submit score reports, recommendations, transcripts, etc., as requested. Keep photocopies for your records.
• Financial aid:
  • In November, obtain a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) from your guidance office if you need financial aid. Check to see if the colleges to which you are applying require any other financial aid forms and complete those, if applicable.
  • In January, have your family complete your income tax forms as soon as possible. You will need those figures to fill out the FAFSA. Complete and return your FAFSA as quickly as possible after January 1. Check to make sure your colleges or state does not require any other financial aid forms. If they do, consult your guidance counselor or contact the college's financial aid office.
  • If you completed a FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks after submitting the FAFSA. Review the SAR carefully and check for any inaccuracies. If you do not receive your SAR, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (319) 337-5665.

After Applying

• In January, have your school counselor send the transcript of your first semester grades to the colleges to which you applied, if required.
• Wait to hear back from colleges.
  • If you are admitted and wish to attend, submit your tuition deposit. The deadline is generally May 1.
  • If you are admitted and do not wish to attend, notify the college that you have elected to go elsewhere.
  • If you are deferred or placed on the wait list, follow this advice on wait lists and demonstrated interest.
  • If you are rejected from a college you wish to attend, consider appealing.
• At the end of the school year, submit your final transcript if it is requested by your college. Also notify the college of any private scholarships or grants you will be receiving.
• Know when the payment for tuition, room and board, meal plans, etc., is due. If necessary, ask the financial aid office about a possible payment plan that will allow for you to pay in installments.
• During the summer, look for information in the mail from the college about housing, roommate(s), orientation, course selection, etc.
• Get ready for college!