College Process Timeline

Junior Year

Reference the College Application Checklist Overview here.

Spring

  • Take the SAT and/or ACT. Register at www.collegeboard.com and www.act.org
  • Investigate the need to take SAT II tests; some universities require or recommend in addition to the SAT reasoning--if necessary, plan to take in June
  • Visit local colleges over Spring Break--large, small, public, and private
  • Make an appointment with your School Counselor to discuss the college selection process
  • Begin a preliminary list of colleges to investigate further. Surf the internet or use Naviance and use college resources in the Counseling Center:
  • Complete resume and explore college esssay topics
  • Plan for summer internships, employment, or academic enrichment programs

Summer

  • Visit colleges you are serious about attending; make appointments for official tours
  • Narrow your list of college choices
  • Further investigate college majors and careers
  • Continue preparation for Fall SAT/ACT testing
  • Revise resume and prepare rough draft of college essays
  • Check deadlines and review application requirements for schools where you apply
  • Complete the NCAA Eligibility Center form online if you plan to play Division I or II sports. Turn in eligibility worksheet to the Registrar to send transcripts to NCAA

Senior Year

September

  • Narrow your list of colleges to 5 or 10. Plan to visit as many of these as possible
  • Create a master list to include:
    • SAT/ACT tests you'll take and their fees, dates, and registration deadlines
    • College application due dates
    • Financial aid application forms required and their deadlines (Note: Aid applications may be due before college applications)
    • Other materials you'll need (recommendations, transcripts, essays, portfolios, audition tapes, etc.)
    • Glenelg's transcript request process and deadlines
  • Notify a teacher of choice to complete recommendations; ask politely and do NOT give short notice. Provide teachers with an outline of your academic record and extracurricular activities and a stamped, addressed envelope
  • Meet with college representatives that visit Glenelg. Watch or the bulletin that comes from Counseling Center with dates
  • Attend Glenelg Counseling Center's College Process Overview meeting (date TBA)
  • Register for additional SAT or ACT tests administered in October, November, December
  • Apply for a PIN number to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov
    • Both parent and student will need to apply for an individual PIN

October

  • Try to finalize college choices
  • Complete the FAFSA form available Ocotber 1
  • Plan for any additional SAT or ACT testing dates
  • Prepare Early Decision, Early Action , or rolling admissions applications ASAP
  • If essays are required, write first drafts and ask teachers/counselors to proofread
  • Send SAT/ACT scores to the colleges where you are applying (if you did not include them on the original score report when registering)
  • Meet with college representatives that visit Glenelg
  • Begin completing applications online and be sure to print and proofread before sending
  • Link Common App to your Naviance Account (Click here to view how...bottom of link)
  • Request official high school transcripts from the Counseling Center

November

  • Apply Early Action (non-binding) or Early Decision (binding) to colleges that offer these programs (if interested)
  • Investigate scholarship opportunities at each particular college and review Scholarship bulletin for outside awards
  • Attend local college fairs (dates TBA) and continue to visit potential colleges
  • Begin applying for university-sponsored and outside scholarships
  • Continue to complete and submit college applications

December

  • Complete admissions applications and begin scholarship applications
  • Complete CSS Profile or school-specific financial aid forms if required
  • Notify Counseling Center of acceptance or denial letters
  • Arrange auditions, portfolio reviews, or scholarship interviews if needed

January

  • Continue admission and scholarship applications
  • Receive updates on the Counseling Center's Scholarship bulletin
  • The Counseling Center will automatically send Mid-Year Grade reports to all schools for which a student applies

February-May

  • Receive acceptance/denial letters
  • Await Financial Aid Award letters from colleges
  • Weigh options and submit deposit no later than May 1