Planning for College
College-Ready Steps
College Planning Calendar
College and financial aid applications are time sensitive and need to be submitted months in advance.
For example: To get ready for your first fall semester in college, you would submit your FAFSA in October of your senior year in high school. College application deadlines will vary. Some are due in October and November of your senior year in high school. Confirm the deadlines for each college you plan to send an application.
Use this calendar as a guide. Click any month to expand the checklist.
- Research colleges and universities.
- Know admissions and scholarship deadlines.
- Set up a college file for the info you receive or send.
- Visit schools and/or plan visits.
- Taking the SAT or ACT? Register.
- Mark your calendar for college fair events.
- Meet with your high school counselor about college.
- If you’re male and a senior in high school, register with the Selective Service.
- Start your college applications.
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Watch for your Student Aid Report (SAR).
- Gather transcripts and letters of recommendation.
- Need an application fee waiver? Research requirements on your college’s website.
- Take the SAT or ACT if you registered.
- Were your letters of recommendation sent? Make sure.
- Submit applications for early decision/early action college programs.
- Take the SAT or ACT yet?
- Need money for college? Get educated about your options.
- Talk college costs with your parents.
- Take SAT or ACT again if you need to.
- Schedule interviews with schools, if required.
- Look for financial aid award letters.
- Taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes? Prepare for exams.
- Apply for a summer job.
- Receive multiple college offers? Compare financial aid awards.
- Choose a school.
- Sign and return award letters.
- Mark your calendar for college orientation.
- Study for your AP exams.
- Living on campus next year? Talk to your college about dorms.
- Living off campus? Consider pre-leasing an apartment.
- Establish a bank account near your school.
- Attend college orientation.
- Start packing for your move to campus.
