"Challenge yourself! Taking challenging classes in high school demonstrates to colleges that you are prepared for their academic rigor. As crazy as this may sound, my AP courses in high school were the best thing that happened to me.”
—Paco Payne, nutrition sciences major at the University of Georgia
FALL
- Research possible career paths.
- Gear up for ACT/SAT with Total Reader and Naviance Test Prep.
- 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.
- Get test-ready with Family Connection’s Naviance Test Prep.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Compare all financial aid/acceptance packages by mid-April.
- Take last-minute campus tours where possible.
- Make your final decision!
- Make sure final transcripts are sent to your chosen school.
- Have a great summer, and get ready for a life-changing college experience!
“Meet with your counselor to finalize your list and start applying to the schools that you are most interested in. If you are still not sure, it is not too late to schedule more tours of schools.”
—Patricia White, assistant director for undergraduate recruitment at VCU
