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September

•  Register for October or November SAT and SAT Subject exams (check SAT dates).
• Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss the colleges to which you're thinking of applying.
•  Request letters of recommendation, especially if you are applying early.
• Continue to visit campuses and interview with college admissions representatives.
• Request applications from all the schools to which you might apply. Create an account with The Common Application if the colleges you've selected use it.
• Create a chart of deadlines. Pay particular attention to early decision, early action, and preferred application deadlines.
•  If appropriate, register for the October ACT exam.
• Work on your college essays.
•  Try to assume a leadership position in an extracurricular activity.
• Work to strengthen your academic record.

October

• Take the SAT, SAT Subject exams, and/or ACT as appropriate.
• Continue to research schools to narrow your list to roughly 6 - 8 schools.
• Take advantage of college fairs and virtual tours.
• Complete your applications if you are applying early decision or early action.
• Research financial aid and scholarships. Do your parents' places of employment offer college scholarships for employee children?
• Get your college essay in shape. Get feedback on your writing from a guidance counselor and a teacher.
• Request your high school transcript and check it for accuracy.
• Keep track of all application components and deadlines: applications, test scores, letters of recommendation, and financial aid materials. An incomplete application will ruin your chances for admission.

November

• Register for the December SAT or ACT if appropriate.
•  Take the November SAT if appropriate.
•  Don't let your grades slide. It's easy to be distracted from school work when working on applications. Senior slump can be disastrous for your admissions chances.
• Make sure you've submitted all components of your applications if you are applying to colleges with November deadlines for early decision or preferred application.
•  Put the final touches on your application essays, and get feedback on your essays from counselors and/or teachers.
• Continue to research scholarships.

December - January

· Complete your applications for regular admissions.

•  Make sure you've had your test scores sent to all colleges that require them.
• Confirm that your letters of recommendation have been sent.
•  Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Financial Aid).
• If you are accepted to a school through early decision, be sure to follow directions carefully. Submit required forms, and notify the other schools to which you applied of your decision.
• Continue to focus on your grades and extracurricular involvement.
• Have midyear grades sent to colleges.
• Continue to keep track of all deadlines and application components.
• Continue to research scholarships. Apply for scholarships well in advance of deadlines.

February - March

• If you submitted the FAFSA, you should receive the Student Aid Report (SAR). Carefully look it over for accuracy. Errors can cost you thousands of dollars.
• Contact colleges that didn't send you a confirmation receipt for your application.
• Don't put off applying to schools with rolling admissions or late deadlines -- the available spaces can fill up.
• Talk to your school about registering for AP exams.
• Keep your grades high. Colleges can revoke offers of admission if your grades take a nosedive senior year.
• Some acceptance letters may arrive. Compare financial aid offers and visit campus before making a decision.
•  Don't panic; many, many decisions are not mailed out until April.
• Continue applying for appropriate scholarships.

April

• Keep track of all acceptances, rejections, and waitlists.
• If waitlisted, learn more about waitlists and move ahead with other plans. You can always change your plans if you get off a waitlist.
• Keep your grades up.
• If you have ruled out any colleges that accepted you, notify them. This is a courtesy to other applicants, and it will help the colleges manage their waitlists and extend the correct number of acceptance letters.
• Go to accepted student open houses if offered.
• A couple circumstances may warrant an appeal of a college rejection

May - June

• Avoid senioritis! An acceptance letter doesn't mean you can stop working.
• Most schools have a deposit deadline of May 1st. Don't be late! If needed, you may be able to request an extension.
•  Prepare for and take any appropriate AP exams. Most colleges offer course credit for high AP scores; this gives you more academic options when you get to college.
• Have your final transcripts sent to colleges.
• Send thank you letters to everyone who helped you in the application process. Let your mentors and recommenders know the results of your college search.
• Keep on top of procuring student loans. Notify your college if you receive any scholarships.
• Graduate. Congratulations!