Applying to College/ Naviance

Year 2 Timeline

Bard High School Early College Queens

CTO Process Timeline 

Summer between Y1 & Y2

• Continue to research schools and refine your college list

• Visit campuses, interview/schedule future interviews

• Do something FUN, INTERESTING or MAKE MONEY (ideally all three!) Updated: You may need to be creative about how best to accomplish this; just remember the class of 2025 is all in the same boat.

• Work on essay (see some effective student essay samples here)

• Continue college list research and visits

• If applying ED or EA, finalize choices (remember to get approval from CTO Advisor in Sep)

• Continue test prep, if retaking SAT/ ACT, and take August SAT if needed (and available)

• Finish Common App (except for Essay)

• Fill out Net Price Calculators for ALL schools on your list and edit list for affordability

YEAR TWO

Y2 September

• Get feedback and edit essay in Writing and Thinking workshop (4 days)

• Make sure your teacher LOR writers have what they need for your letter

• Apply for a fly-in visit and sign up for interviews (demonstrate interest!)

• Apply for Questbridge (if applicable)

• Research and FINALIZE Early Lists - Due in Naviance by end of Sep

Y2 October

• Financial Aid App Month (Submit FAFSA, CSS, TAP, & institutional forms)

• FINALIZE college essay and supplements for early apps (must be shown to CTO Advisor)

• Oct 15 - BHSECQ internal deadline (aka “liveline”) to submit all Early applications

Y2 November

• Final balanced, strategic regular College Lists due 

• ED & EA applications due Nov 1 – Nov 15

• Start supplemental college essays for all regular apps

• Start CUNY App

Y2 December

• Dec 1 - BHSEC Queens internal deadline (aka “liveline”) for Non-Early apps including CUNYs/SUNYs

• Remember to forward SAT & ACT scores

• Students hear back from ED and/or EA (if admitted ED, withdraw other apps; if deferred, keep applying!)

Y2 January

• Standard Regular Decision deadlines for many selective colleges this month

• Follow up on ALL documents for admissions and financial aid checklists

Y2 February

• Follow up with each school to ensure they have received everything 

• Submit any college applications with later deadlines (3/1, 3/15, 4/1 rolling, etc).

Y2 March

• The Longest Month Ever! Wait, wait, wait for decisions. Provide financial aid verification documents.

Y2 April

• Decisions come back! Talk to family and CTO Advisor, visit schools again, talk to people, etc.

• Compare Financial Aid awards to decide which are best.

Y2 May

• Deposit at the school of your choice by May 1

• File online paperwork to take out any federal loans you plan to take

Y2 June

• Finish strong and graduate!

• Request final official transcript (1 College from Bard and 1 HS from BHSEC)

• Apply for housing, accommodations, meal plans and email student groups and contacts on campus to explore resources and establish contacts. Get in touch with any BHSEC Alum Ambassadors at your school!

ALL THE TIME:

• Check email and text every day

• Make besties with your CTO Advisor

• Talk HONESTLY about financial aid, affordability, and your process

• Go to college Open House events, sign up for interviews and TALK TO ADMISSIONS REPS

• Use Naviance

• Stay involved in your activities & keep your grades up!

• Apply for scholarships at College Greenlight, Chegg, Going Merry, The Dream.US, Big Future, Naviance

(Deadlines are every month)