August–September:
✅ Finalize your college list and create an application plan
✅ Register for fall ACT retakes (September 6, October 18, December 13)
✅ Update your resume and request recommendation letters
✅ Apply to local colleges and universities in September College Exploration Month (free application month)
✅ Apply to TN Promise (free money for college) - application closes November 1, 2025.
October:
✅ FAFSA opens October 1 – submit ASAP for best financial aid
✅ Attend college fairs and workshops
✅ Request transcripts for early deadlines
✅ Apply to TN Promise (free money for college) - application closes November 1, 2025.
November–December:
✅ Complete college applications and essays
✅ Check for scholarship opportunities
✅ Continue FAFSA verification if requested
January–March:
✅ Monitor admissions portals and financial aid updates
✅ Complete FAFSA (if eligible)
April–May:
✅ Finalize college decisions/enrollment & registration paperwork by May 1
✅ Submit final transcripts - June 1st
✅ Celebrate your accomplishments!
Upcoming ACT Dates (recommended retake dates for seniors):
September 6, 2025
October 18, 2025
December 13, 2025
February 14, 2026
Students have access to ACT fee waivers which allows them to retake the ACT up to two times free of charge. Encourage your student to retest to improve your scores for scholarships and admissions.
FAFSA:
Opens: October 1, 2025
Priority: Submit ASAP for best aid
Final Deadline: June 30, 2026
Corrections Due: September 12, 2026
Tennessee Promise:
Apply by November 1, 2025
Attend mandatory meetings in spring, hosted at STEM Prep High School
Complete 8 hours of community service
Contact Ms. DeJean for FAFSA completion help or questions about financial aid.
Contact Information:
📩 Jasmine DeJean – Upper School College Access Counselor
✉️ jdejean@stemprepacademy.org
Office Hours: by appointment
Helpful Links:
FAFSA: studentaid.gov
TN Promise: tnpromise.gov
ACT Registration: act.org
Scholarships: fastweb.com, scholarships.com, www.cfmt.org/scholars/apply-for-scholarships/