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College Planning Time Line

9th Grade Year

Fall

•  Take the most challenging course of study available (Distinguished Plan)

• Join clubs and activities in area of interest - Student Organizations.

• Build relationships with peers, teachers, counselors, and employers

• Select a service area to be a part of

• Check out the standardized testing policies/opportunities at your school TAKS and PSAT.

• Develop good study habits

Spring

• Begin constructing a resume

• Discuss post high school plans with counselor and parent/guardians

• Begin to discuss college costs with parents/guardians

10th Grade Year

Fall

• Take the most challenging course of study available (Distinguished Plan)

• Begin to look for leadership roles in clubs/activities

• Continue development of service activity

• Strengthen relationships with peers, teachers, counselors, activity moderators, and employers-they will be writing recommendations for you down the road!

• Testing
  - Check out policies/opportunities at your school
  - Take the PSAT

• Go to college fairs – College Night

• Continue working on study habits and note-taking skills

Spring

• Job shadow or participate in career day, if possible

• Refine/Revise/Update your resume. Keep it simple!

• Continue discussing post high school plans with counselor and parent/guardians

• Review cost factors for college and investigate options

11th Grade Year

Fall - September & October

• Put together a list of 10 colleges you would like to attend.

• Plan to apply to three or more colleges or universities.

• Discuss with your parents and counselor where you want to go to college.

• Attend a college night or a college fair.

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT test. Registration and information is available online at College Board.com
   

Fall - November

• Look at college guide books in your counselor’s office, the library, or on web sites.

• Request catalogs, admissions requirements, and financial aid information from colleges.

• Start planning to take the SAT I and/or SAT II exams, if necessary. You may also need to take the ACT test. Ask your high school counselor about registration deadlines or visit a web site.
   

Fall/Spring - December/January

• Search for financial aid and scholarships. Fastweb and many other web based programs. Your high school counselor can help. Local Scholarships will not be available until your senior year.

• Talk to college students who attend the college or university in which you’re interested.

• Plan to take the SAT this spring. These scores are needed for early admission and for fall application deadlines.

Spring - February/March

• Take the exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills ( English/Spanish) this spring. Your teachers will keep you posted related to TAKS Test dates.

Spring - April

• Check with colleges/universities about their Early Admission (Early Decision) plan offered by some colleges.

• If you are enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, take Advanced Placement (AP) tests.

Spring - May

• Ask your English teacher for a summer reading list, and read those books.

• Take summer courses if your counselor or the college has suggested doing so. Check with colleges and make sure that the classes will transfer before enrolling.

Summer - June through August

• Schedule visits to each of the schools on your final list, if possible. Contact the admissions office to schedule a campus tour.

• Request college admission applications if you plan to attend a community college, a Texas state technical college or a private (independent) college or university. You can find applications for many Texas independent (private) colleges and universities online at www.texasmentor.org.

• Review the applications to learn what information you need to gather before your busy senior year begins.

• Some institutions require essays as part of your admission application. Start working on yours now, if needed.

12th Grade Year

Fall - September

• Check the Guidance office for information on college entrance exams, the SAT and ACT, and register to take the appropriate test, if necessary. Dates and registration deadlines are also available online for the ACT at www.act.org and the SAT at www.collegeboard.com

• The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) will be given several times during the year. Take the exit-level TAKS Test if you have not already taken it, or retake any sections that you have not passed.

• Use the Texas Common Application for Admission if you are applying to one of the 35 public universities in Texas. Get a copy of the common application from your high school counselor, or apply online at www.ApplyTexas.org. Applying online can save you time: complete the application once and send it directly on to as many of these public universities as you choose.

• If you plan to apply to a public community or technical college, contact the school directly for an application. You can find applications for many Texas independent (private) colleges and universities online at www.texasmentor.org, or contact the college or university directly for an application.

Fall - October

• Keep track of application deadlines. Fill out application forms carefully and neatly. Start thinking about admission essays if required at the institutions to which you are applying. Write a rough draft.

• Choose your references. Colleges often want reference letters from two or three teachers. Pick teachers who know you well. Do not wait until the last minute to request letters of recommendation from your counselors and teachers. Be sure to thank the teachers for their help.

Fall - November

• If the college you are applying to has a December deadline (deadlines vary), complete your admission application. Give the teachers who are writing letters of recommendation stamped, addressed envelopes for mailing your reference letters.

Fall - December

• Check all deadlines for early application and scholarships.

• Make sure all of your school records and test scores are sent in time to meet the December deadline. Call to verify that the college or university received your materials.

• If the college(s) to which you are applying have later deadlines, go ahead and finish preparing application materials.

Spring - January

• Deadlines are near. Make sure your application files are complete.

• Check with the admissions office to find out if more information is needed. Supply any additional information as quickly as possible.

• If you plan to apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Ask your high school counselor for a copy or apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov You may also call 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). You can’t apply before January 1, but plan to submit the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible. The sooner you submit your FAFSA, the better your chance for a good financial aid package. If you and your parents need help with these forms, contact the college or university financial aid office. Make sure the form is filled out properly and mailed before the deadline. Keep a copy for your records. Important note for your parents: Prepare your IRS tax return early. This information will be needed to complete the FAFSA. You do not have to submit your tax return to complete the FAFSA but your student will need your information to complete the FAFSA.

Spring - February

• Students must take a basic skills test before enrolling in a Texas public college or university. TAKS and ACT/SAT scores may exempt you from this requirement, but check with each college admission office to find out specifics. In Texas the basic skills test is called the THEA. More information is provided at www.thea.nesinc.com. This test is not used to decide admission, but shows which students need to improve their reading, writing or math skills. Students who need help are directed to developmental education courses or other activities to make sure they are prepared for college-level courses.

Spring - March

• Continue sending other information that your college requests.

• If your college requires you to have a physical exam before you can register for classes, make an appointment for an exam with a doctor and take the appropriate forms from the college.

Spring - April

• By the end of the month, the college(s) to which you are applying should have received your applications, letters, test results, and other information. Call to confirm that they have received all of the materials. The application process is over, and the waiting begins. You should receive word on acceptance by the end of the month.

Spring/Summer - May/June

• Graduation!

• Acceptance letters are arriving. Some colleges will ask you to accept or decline an offer of admission. Write to the college you have chosen and say you plan to attend. Also, write to other colleges that accepted you and tell them you will not attend so they can offer admission to another student.

• The college you have chosen will send you more information on orientation dates, housing deposits, course schedules, and information on enrolling. For more tips on calendars and deadlines, check out your school of choice’s website.