College Application Timeline
Each school will have a slightly different process for their application. Use this as a *rough* outline of the steps you'll need to take to apply to your schools. Reach out to your college adviser for help!
August/September
Schedule an appointment with your College Adviser
Create a college folder to keep all college related documents/materials in one place
Keep working hard- Colleges look at senior year grades
Use Big Future to start building your college list
Request Recommendations from teachers, coaches, mentors
Register early for the SAT/ACT
SAT: www.collegeboard.com
ACT: www.actstudent.org
Finalize list of 3-5 colleges to research (write down deadlines!)
Complete RDS - you will want to have this done before you submit applications
Consider applying for early action/early decision.
Beginning filling out applications online through CFNC or Common App
Begin preparing applications with Oct. and Nov. deadlines
Begin writing application essays
Attend an information session! (more details to come!)
Begin looking at scholarships ( private, local, institutional)
Start a list of scholarships to apply for and include deadlines and requirements
Create an FSA ID
October
Register for November SAT if applicable
Submit early action/early decision applications
Submit applications with October deadlines
Participate in FREE APPLICATION WEEK
Ask a counselor about submitting a transcript to prospective colleges or visit CFNC
Complete the CSS profile if your school requires it - check out the list of participating schools
November
Submit applications with Nov. deadlines
Work on your FAFSA!
Register for Dec. SAT if applicable
Start preparing for applications due in January
Make sure test scores have been sent by College Board and ACT
Keep College Folder up to date
December
Work on financial aid worksheets: FAFSA4Caster
Continue to work on applications with Jan. deadlines
Fill out and SUBMIT your FAFSA (expected to open Dec/Jan)