Although the college application timeline usually starts during your senior year, you can get started in your freshman year. Here is a look at what you can expect from our college preparation timeline tool.
Freshman Year College Planning Checklist
- Establish a solid foundation for academic success: It's not too early to work hard and develop good study habits. Your freshman and sophomore grades count toward college admission and scholarships.
- Explore extracurricular activities and interests: Extracurricular activities are an important and fun part of high school. Look for sports, groups, and clubs that match your interests, then join!
Sophomore Year College Planning Checklist
- Plan your high school course selection strategically: While a high GPA is essential for your college applications, the actual courses you take are also important.
- Build strong relationships with teachers and counselors: It’s a good idea to start this now since you’ll need to request letters of recommendation in your junior year.
- Explore potential college majors and career pathways: It's never too early to start researching colleges. Don't be afraid to ask questions; your school counselors are a great resource during the college preparation process.
Junior Year College Planning Checklist
- Start to request letters of recommendation: They are used to illustrate that you would be a good fit for the college and discuss who you are from another person's point of view.
- Research colleges and attend college fairs: Consider factors like location, programs, and cost of attendance.
- Develop a college list and visit campuses: Meet with your school’s counselor to build your college list and check college sites for their academic and testing requirements.
Senior Year College Planning Checklist
- Craft compelling personal statements and college essays: This is your chance to show colleges your personality, strengths, and what matters most to you.
- Submit college applications and financial aid forms: Start finalizing and submitting applications for early action. Double-check deadlines before this.
- Navigate scholarship opportunities and finalize college decisions: Notify the people who wrote recommendation letters of your decision and thank them for their support.
If you need support in any step of your college application journey, connect with our trusted admissions experts. Many of these experts are previous admissions officers, so they know what colleges are looking for.
