4-Year College/University

• Use College Board's Big Future search tool to narrow down your college search

• Your my.cherrycreekschools.org account will also let you use Naviance's college search engine

• Explore the Common Application this allows you to fill out one application for many different schools

• Talk to your Endeavor counselor to identify college visits to participate in or programs to look for

*The timelines below are a guide for May graduates. If you're a December graduate your timeline may shift backward a few months, but the steps are the same.

Fall

• Narrow down your search using the tools above

• Make a list of the schools, application fees, deadlines, test requirements, and contact information for each college

• If required by the schools, take the ACT or SAT (typically in the Fall before graduation or earlier)

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), this form becomes available on October 1st every year

• Apply for private scholarships as well (see 'Paying for College' at the top of this website)

• Prepare your application materials, each school has a different deadline and some are as early as November

• Ask a counselor or teacher for letters of recommendation

• Ask your counselor or front office staff for help sending your transcripts to your colleges

Winter

• Continue tracking application due dates and finalize your applications

• Keep applying for private scholarships - millions of dollars go unclaimed every year!

Spring

• Keep active in school, some schools will double check your senior year grades even if you're already accepted

• Colleges typically make decisions in March and April and will send you a financial aid offer at that time

• Inform colleges of whether or not you plan to attend (even if your plan is to not attend)