family connection

tip: To stay organized throughout the admissions process, use My Planner to create To-Do Lists and complete Tasks assigned to you by your counselor. You can even sync these items to your iPhone or iPod with the Naviance Student app.

College Timeline: Your Sophomore-to-Graduation Checklist

icon "Is your sports camp, band camp, or Science Olympiad held on a college campus? Then look around! Check out the student center. Visit the dining hall. If you like what you see, plan to return for an official campus tour.”
—Dr. William A. Edmonds, dean of admissions at California University of Pennsylvania

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FALL
  • Research possible career paths.
  • Gear up for ACT/SAT with Total Reader and Naviance Test Prep.
SPRING
  • Get a jump on graduation requirements with Course Planner.
  • Keep track of summer volunteer work with intelliVol.
FALL
  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October.
  • Use SuperMatch® to discover your college must-haves.
  • Search virtual campus tours and videos on YouTube.
  • Start researching college costs and financial aid.
WINTER
  • Get test-ready with Family Connection’s Naviance Test Prep.
SPRING
  • Make the most of campus tours!
  • Take SAT/ACT pre-tests.
  • Schedule senior year classes with your counselor.
  • Scope out colleges’ social media pages.
  • Prep for AP exams.
  • Plan for summer jobs and internships.
SUMMER
  • Continue campus visits and get ready for senior year!
FALL
  • Register for entrance exams.
  • Request letters of recommendation.
  • Narrow down your list of top schools.
  • Set reminders for important forms and deadlines.
  • Scour local and national financial aid sources.
  • Complete the FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov.
  • Complete any early applications by November 1.
  • Have test scores sent to schools on your short list.
  • Start drafting personal essays.
  • Save copies of all forms before sending.
WINTER
  • Send completed applications by each deadline.
  • Practice for interviews using apps such as LikeLive.
  • After filing the FAFSA, watch your inbox for the Student Aid Report.
  • Search for additional funds at free sites like finaid.org.
  • Update the SAR as needed.
  • Check that each prospective school has received your materials.
SPRING
  • Compare all financial aid/acceptance packages by mid-April.
  • Take last-minute campus tours where possible.
  • Make your final decision!
SUMMER
  • Make sure final transcripts are sent to your chosen school.
  • Have a great summer, and get ready for a life-changing college experience!

icon “College applications can be complicated! To stay organized, make a list of everything you need: application and fee, high school transcript, test scores, and so on. Check off each item to be sure your application packet is complete.”
—Dr. William A. Edmonds, dean of admissions at California University of Pennsylvania

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