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