College Admissions Timeline: Month-by-Month Guide

Freshman Year: Building Your Foundation

Fall Semester

• Focus on academics and establish strong study habits
• Get involved in extracurricular activities that interest you
• Meet with your high school counselor to plan your four-year academic schedule

Spring Semester

• Research summer programs, volunteer opportunities, or jobs
• Begin exploring potential career interests
• Consider taking SAT Subject Tests in subjects you excel in

Summer

• Participate in meaningful activities (volunteer work, academic programs, employment)
• Read widely to improve your vocabulary and writing skills
• Visit college campuses informally if you have the opportunity

Sophomore Year: Expanding Your Horizons

Fall Semester

• Take the PSAT for practice (not for National Merit Scholarship consideration yet)
• Continue building your extracurricular profile with meaningful involvement
• Meet with your counselor to ensure you're on track with college-prep courses

Spring Semester

• Research summer programs, internships, or volunteer opportunities
• Consider taking SAT Subject Tests in subjects you've completed
• Begin researching colleges and their requirements

Summer

• Participate in meaningful summer activities that align with your interests
• Visit college campuses if possible
• Consider starting SAT/ACT prep

Junior Year: The Critical Year

Junior year is often considered the most important year for college admissions. Your grades this year will be the last complete year of grades that colleges will see when you apply.

Fall Semester

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October (this one counts for National Merit Scholarship consideration)
• Begin serious college research (size, location, majors, etc.)
• Meet with college representatives who visit your high school

Spring Semester

• Take the SAT or ACT (and consider taking it again in late spring or fall of senior year)
• Visit colleges during spring break
• Ask teachers for recommendation letters for senior year
• Begin researching scholarships

Summer Before Senior Year

• Visit more colleges
• Narrow down your college list (safety, target, and reach schools)
• Begin working on your personal statement and supplemental essays
• Create a spreadsheet to track application requirements and deadlines

Senior Year: Application Season

August-September

• Finalize your college list
• Register for fall SAT/ACT if you plan to retake
• Work on applications and essays
• Request official transcripts from your high school

October-November

• Submit Early Decision/Early Action applications (usually November 1 or 15)
• Complete the FAFSA (opens October 1)
• Submit CSS Profile if required by your colleges
• Request official test scores be sent to colleges

December-January

• Submit Regular Decision applications (deadlines typically January 1-15)
• Confirm that all application materials have been received
• Continue searching and applying for scholarships

February-March

• Watch for Early Decision/Early Action results
• Complete mid-year grade reports if required
• Continue applying for scholarships

April-May

• Receive admission decisions from Regular Decision schools
• Compare financial aid packages
• Visit (or revisit) campuses before making your final decision
• Submit your enrollment deposit by May 1 (National College Decision Day)

Summer Before College

• Submit final transcripts to your chosen college
• Complete housing forms and register for orientation
• Prepare for college life (budgeting, time management, etc.)
• Enjoy your summer and get ready for an exciting new chapter!