SEPTEMBER

• Narrow your list of colleges to 5-10.
• Create a master list to include:
• SAT/ACT tests you'll take and their fees, dates, and registration deadlines
• College application due dates
• Financial aid application forms required and their deadlines (Note: Aid applications may be due before college applications)
• Other materials you'll need (recommendations, transcripts, essays, portfolios, audition tapes, etc.)
• Complete the transcript request process and deadlines
• Notify a teacher of choice to complete recommendations; ask politely and do NOT give short notice. Provide teachers with an outline/resume/CV of your academic record and extracurricular activities.
• Register for additional SAT or ACT tests administered in October, November, December.

OCTOBER

• Apply for FAFSA
• Try to finalize college choices, visit the annual College Fair hosted at Mater Academy to meet with and ask questions to college representatives from Florida and out of state schools.
• Plan for any additional SAT or ACT testing dates.
• Prepare Early Decision, Early Action , or rolling admissions applications ASAP.
• If essays are required, write first drafts and ask teachers/counselors to proofread.
• Send SAT/ACT scores to the colleges where you are applying (if you did not include them on the original score report when registering).
• Begin completing applications online and be sure to proofread before sending.
• Request official high school transcript from the Counseling Center after you have officially applied (either online or via mail). It is recommended to request your transcript a month prior to your application deadline so that it arrives on time. To request a transcript, you must fill out a slip in the Counselor's office, Room 82, with the mailing address of each university you have applied to.

NOVEMBER

• Apply Early Action or Early Decision to colleges that offer these programs.
• Remember to send test scores to colleges you are applying to. Surprisingly, it takes anywhere from 1-3 weeks for them to actually send your scores to any given college after you order them. This means you need to order your scores to be sent as early as possible! If they aren’t postmarked before the app deadline, the college will usually not accept them.
• After submitting each application, get started on your CSS Profile.
• Begin applying for university-sponsored and outside scholarships.
• Continue to complete and submit college applications.

DECEMBER

• Complete admissions applications and begin scholarship applications.
• Submit IDOC forms for all schools.
• Notify Mrs. Macho of acceptance or denial letters for ED and EA.
• Apply for Florida Financial Aid to qualify for the Florida Bright Futures scholarship.
• Arrange auditions, portfolio reviews, or interviews if needed.

JANUARY

• Submit admission applications for Regular Decision.
• Receive updates from Mrs. Macho's Scholarship bulletin.
• Ask CAP Advisor to send Mid-Year Grade reports to schools that request them AFTER all applications are submitted.

FEBRUARY-MAY

• Receive acceptance/denial letters.
• Await Financial Aid Award letters from colleges.
• Weigh options and submit deposit no later than May 1st.

Natalie's Secret to Balancing college application with academic achievement: