Applying to college is an exciting yet challenging journey. Staying organized is key to managing deadlines, essays, recommendation letters, and other essential components of your application. That’s why today I want to share my ultimate college application timeline – and some tips – to help you stay on track!
Create a Master Timeline
If you’re not a junior or senior in high school, you can still be thinking about college! These early years are important to help explore interests, build relationships with your teachers, coaches, and other mentors – and decide what your college journey might look like. There’s no real formal deadlines in these two years. Instead, use the time to start researching what you’re interested in and where you could study that topic.
Junior Year
In the fall of your junior year, make your list of potential colleges. This should include your dream, reach, and fall back schools. I highly recommend making visits to the campuses so you really understand what it’s like to be a student there. Curious about what to do during campus visits? Read one of my blogs here! In the spring of your junior year, register for any standardized tests required by your schools. This usually looks like the SAT or ACT. Make sure you study and prepare for the tests. While you can take them again, that costs time and money in the application process!
During the summer before senior year, you’ll finish your prep for the SAT and/or ACT. Begin looking at the applications for the colleges on your lists and if there’s any common prompts for the application essays, start writing. The earlier, the better! The summertime is also a great time to get volunteer or work experience in your expected field of study – or simply to get more time in the community. These hours look great on your applications!
Senior Year
Once senior year arrives, the application season will kick into high gear. In the fall, narrow down your list of colleges – if you haven’t already. It’s also the time to retake the SAT or ACT if you weren’t happy with your scores. Applications will begin opening for financial aid and the colleges, so take the time to review them all with your family. Sit down with your parents or guardians and complete the FAFSA and, if necessary for your schools, the CSS Profile. Remember, financial aid is often first come, first serve so you need to complete your applications early and accurately. Find more tips on how to complete the FAFSA or CSS Profile on the blog!
As you’re completing those applications at home, you’ll want to reach out to your teachers, coaches, mentors, or other trusted adults to write your recommendation letters. Be sure to provide them with everything they need to complete your letters. I recommend having a copy of your resume so they can reference your additional experience or work! Make sure that they know how and where to send your letters.
Application Deadlines
There’s a lot of deadlines to keep track of during the application process! One of the most important is to have your FAFSA completed by October 15th. Although this year was a little different, the deadline is usually in October. Early decision deadlines for college applications are usually around November 1st, so if you’re hoping to know where you’re going early in the year, finish your application components by then. Regular applications are typically done by January 1st of each year! Finally, once the schools receive the applications and make their decisions, you have to give your acceptance (or lack of one) to the school by May 1st. Please make sure to submit your “no” to schools you do not choose to attend so the other students on their waitlist are able to get their letters!
As we found out this past year, deadlines can and will change. But, in a typical application cycle, you can expect to follow those deadline dates! I recommend putting them on a central calendar for you and your family to see, along with any other dates from the various application components.
College applications are one of the hardest, most stressful, and yet rewarding things you will do in your high school career. While it can be easy to become overwhelmed by all of the components and deadlines, try to maintain a balance between your work and experiencing your last year of high school! Lean on your loved ones, counselors, and teachers for support and guidance – they are here to help you! Most of all, stay positive and know that this is a very normal and routine process. Each step will bring you closer to your goal – and anything is possible!
Good luck!
More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors
Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.