College ADMISSIONS timeline
Profile High School College Timeline: Step by Step
Grade 9 – Freshman Year: Explore & Build
Focus on strong grades & study habits
Join clubs, sports, and volunteer opportunities
Discover your interests & strengths
Attend school college fairs
Learn about PSAT/NMSQT
Grade 10 – Sophomore Year: Discover & Prepare
Take challenging courses (honors/AP if available)
Continue extracurriculars, take leadership roles
Research colleges, careers, and majors
Take PSAT for practice; start SAT/ACT prep
Visit local colleges
Build your resume of activities & achievements
Grade 11 – Junior Year: Plan & Test
Maintain a strong GPA
Take PSAT/NMSQT for the National Merit
Take SAT/ACT; consider retakes
Narrow down colleges of interest
Meet with a counselor to align courses with college goals
Gain leadership in activities
Plan summer programs, internships, or volunteering
Grade 12 – Senior Year: Apply & Decide
Fall:
Finalize college list
Submit early action/decision applications
Request letters of recommendation
Complete FAFSA & financial aid forms
Winter:
Submit regular decision applications
Research scholarships
Spring:
Apply for scholarships
Receive admissions decisions
Compare financial aid packages
Make final college choice & submit deposit
Summer:
Prepare for college: housing, registration, orientation