To-Do List
Programs/Competitions
PSAT/SAT/ACT
College Search
Scholarships
Recs
Parchment is a free transcript service that students use to send transcripts to outside entities. Complete the Parchment registration form here immediately. Once you receive the requisite email invite, set up an account. Please note that you may complete all of the questions asked if you want to use the Parchment's college search, but you do not have to.
Consider the endgame for your EE. For example, you could submit your work to the Regeneron Science Talent Search next year or the USI Tri-State Science & Engineering Fair (2025 site here). New: Is your AP Research project on global health? Consider submitting to the Pre-Collegiate Global Health Review.
It's time for college interviews! Don't delay. Interviews will end in March.
Students complete the Class of 2026 College Questionnaire.
Parents/guardians complete the Class of 2026 Parent/Guardian Questionnaire.
You will receive a calendar link to schedule an appointment once both questionnaires are completed. Parents are warmly invited to attend in person or via Zoom, but this is not a requirement.
Do you have additions to your PowerSchool Profile? Resubmit the Power School profile questionnaire by December 15 for the next data upload. Personal statement examples
Are you ready for the new semester?
SAT
All members of the Class of 2027 will take a school-day SAT, likely in March 2026.
Review your PSAT results and use them to prepare. Your PSAT score explained. Be sure to take the career quiz!
Fee waiver eligibility information
See Ms. Cirino to obtain a fee waiver
ACT
Fee waiver eligibility and benefits
See Ms. Cirino to obtain a fee waiver
Coolidge Scholarship application (including letters of reference) due last year on Tuesday, December 16.
highly selective and meant for students whose scholarly interests take them well beyond the classroom, who have records of interest in public policy and of humility and service;
full-ride at any U.S. college;
a complex application--get started now if interested.
New Horatio Algier Scholarships for current juniors application opens December 1 and is due March 1. Scholarship requirements and amounts vary but are intended for those with demonstrable financial need. Click here to review the criteria for each scholarship. (In general, your family's AGI < = $100,000.)
Explore Scholarship Databases
BigFuture’s Scholarship Search
Financial Aid Information Guide (includes FAFSA info)
Get your website documentation ready. (Example: update your CAS page.)
Obtain your recommender's consent.
Register your recommendation request here. Complete the form for each request. Some recommenders like a hard copy.
Complete the Teacher Recommendation Questionnaire. Print a hard copy of the questionnaire for your recommender.
Sign up for Signature School lunchtime college visits through Schoology's Class of 2027 page. All juniors must attend at least one lunchtime college visit.
Interested in attending a Service Academy for a full ride plus room, board, and textbooks? Applications for a congressional nomination to the four Service Academies requiring such a nomination are due on October 1 of senior year. Here is some more information:
Congressman Mark Messmer is accepting applications through this form. He provides a checklist, and a Service Academy fact sheet.
Sign up for College Fairs Online and enter a drawing for a $1000 scholarship. The more you engage, the more chances you earn.
Admissions Beat, a podcast wherein an Ivy League Dean demystifies the college search and application process
The College Tour, Seasons 1-9 on Amazon Prime, spreadsheet of all episodes here. Free college search classes here.
Big Future's College Search Guide
Competitions
The Kemper Human Rights Education Foundation essay contest entries are due December 10, Human Rights Day.
The question: Many claim climate change poses a threat to human rights. Do you agree? Provide a clear explanation of the reasons you think specific proposals to deal with the issue are beneficial or harmful.
Prizes of $5,000, $2500, and $1250 offered
Flyer for U.S. residents or citizens
Note the need for a teacher to verify the authenticity of your work.
New Princeton University's Annual 10-Minute Play Contest entries open January 12. Be ready--only 250 submissions will be accepted.
Presidential AI Challenge projects due Jan 20, 11:59 p.m. Local Time
Groups of 1-4 students and a Supervising Adult (>= 18 yrs old) must submit consent and release forms to AI.Challenge@science.doe.gov and must register at the link found here.
Teams choose from two tracks:
Track 1: proposal for how AI can address a community challenge.
Track 2: build a solution with AI that addresses a community challenge.
Projects winning at the National Level earn $10,000 per team member.
New MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge registration open!
Many prizes for finalist teams, including a trip to NYC.
Teams of 3-5 students with a coach (minimal role). Only open to juniors and seniors.
Teams must request their free MATLAB license by February 24.
Registration closes on February 20, at 4 PM.
Challenge Weekend: February 27-March 2. (Don't miss school for this.)
New Bill of Rights Institute MyImpact Challenge submissions are due May 3 (video explanation).
Civic engagement contest that rewards student service projects with cash prizes of up to $10,000.
Send a project report of up to 2000 words, an essay of up to 1200 words on how your project upholds one civic virtue and one founding principle, and photo or video documentation.
Entries may be from groups of up to 5 or from individuals. Winning group entries split the prize money.
Is your AP Research project on global health? Consider submitting to the Pre-Collegiate Global Health Review.
Summer Programs--No University Affiliation
Next Gen Latino Leadership Program application due January 16, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute CHCI has an all-expenses paid leadership experience designed just for high school students. Spend a week exploring Washington, D.C., attend civic engagement and leadership workshops, and build life-long friendships. Start your application here by registering for an applicant account and completing your NextGen Program application. Flyer here.
New The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program app due January 25
Paid summer internship, $3,000 for 8 weeks involving aquatics, science, and education, within 45 minutes of your location
Students with traditionally excluded backgrounds in fisheries encouraged
Summer Programs--University-Affiliated
New Interior Design Summer Workshops at Ball State registration now open; space is limited--apply now!
In-person and online options available.
New Johns Hopkins Global Health Leaders Conference application priority deadline is February 20, but spaces fill up so don't delay.
Online, highly selective program to learn about global health.
Cost is $99.00, but this can be waived if a hardship.
New MIT Intro to Tech, Engineering, and Science (MITES) Semester applications due February 1
Completely free classes that include math, life science, physics, humanities, and one project-based elective. Last year, electives were in architecture, engineering design, machine learning, genomics, and electronics
Strong academic record and interest in STEM required;
All apps considered; preference given to First Gen, Low Income, African American, Hispanic, Native American, or those from families with no STEM degrees.
New Emory Summer Scholars Research Program application is due February 6.
6-week program, June 8-July 17
Open to juniors and seniors
Accepted scholars receive $2,400 to attend, but there is no housing provided.
New this year is a virtual option, no stipend.
New Iacooca Global Entrepreneurship Intensive sponsored deadline app due February 15.
In-person summer program at Lehigh University, July 5-25.
Financial aid available.
Interested in a career in healthcare? The Deaconess Health Science Institute is a rigorous, two-week long summer program, June 7-20, for high-achieving rising seniors or juniors. Applications are due by 12:00 pm CST, on January 13. A science teacher letter of recommendation is required. Find out more here or apply directly here. The cost of the program is $2,600 (yikes).
Pre-College Programs are available throughout the year. This list is not exhaustive.