Junior Year: Building Your Foundation
FallSeptember - December
September - October
- Meet with guidance counselor about college planning
- Research college admission requirements
- Sign up for PSAT (taken in October)
- Begin exploring colleges online
November - December
- Review PSAT scores and identify improvement areas
- Start SAT/ACT preparation
- Begin building your college list
- Research scholarship opportunities
Senior Year: Application Crunch Time
SumSummer Before Senior Year
Critical preparation period - use this time wisely!
- Finalize college list (8-12 schools recommended)
- Complete applications for Early Decision/Action using Common Application or individual college applications
- Write and revise essays
- Request final recommendation letters
- Research financial aid options
September
- Meet with guidance counselor
- Submit Early Decision applications
- Continue Regular Decision applications
- Take final SAT/ACT tests
October
- Finalize Early Decision/Action applications
- Submit FAFSA (available October 1)
- Complete CSS Profile if required
- Continue scholarship applications
🚨 November: Critical Deadlines
Key Deadlines
- • November 1: Most Early Decision/Action deadlines
- • November 15: Some later Early Decision/Action deadlines
Tasks
- • Submit Early Decision/Action applications
- • Continue Regular Decision applications
- • Complete college interviews
- • Apply for additional scholarships
December
Early Decision results: Dec 15
- Receive Early Decision/Action results
- Finalize Regular Decision applications
- Complete FAFSA and CSS Profile
January
Jan 1: Most Regular Decision deadlines
- Submit Regular Decision applications
- Send fall semester grades
- Continue scholarship applications
February - March
- Submit missing financial aid documents
- Continue scholarship applications
- Maintain strong grades
Decision Time: April - May
!Critical: May 1 National College Decision Day
You must submit your enrollment deposit and make your final college choice by May 1.
April Tasks
- • Receive Regular Decision results (by April 1)
- • Compare financial aid packages
- • Visit accepted schools if possible
- • Make final college decision
May Tasks
- • Submit enrollment deposit by May 1
- • Notify other schools of your decision
- • Complete housing applications
- • Register for orientation
Tips for Success
Organization
- • Use a college application tracking spreadsheet
- • Set up a filing system for documents
- • Create calendar reminders for deadlines
- • Keep copies of all submitted materials
Time Management
- • Don't procrastinate on applications
- • Start essays well before deadlines
- • Allow time for multiple revisions
- • Submit applications a few days early
Essential Application Resources
Application Platforms
- • Common Application - Apply to 900+ colleges
- • Coalition Application - Alternative platform
- • ApplyTexas - Texas public universities
Related Guides
- • How to Choose the Right College
- • NACAC Knowledge Center - College admission guidance
- • College Board's Big Future - Planning tools
Essential Reading for College Applications
While this timeline provides the structure, these expert-recommended books will give you deeper insights into the admissions process and help you navigate each step successfully.
Who Gets In and Why
By Jeffrey J. Selingo
Get behind-the-scenes access to actual admissions committee decisions. Perfect for understanding how your application will be evaluated at each stage of this timeline.
The Truth about College Admission
By Brennan Barnard & Rick Clark
Debunks common myths and provides practical advice from veteran admissions officers. Essential reading alongside this timeline to avoid common mistakes.
Conclusion
Following this timeline will help ensure you don't miss important deadlines and submit the strongest possible applications. Remember that college admission is holistic – admissions officers consider your entire profile, not just test scores and grades.
Stay organized, start early, and don't be afraid to ask for help from your guidance counselor, teachers, and family. The college application process is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.