“Overwhelming” is the number one word we hear to describe the college admissions process. Since every choice matters when it comes to college admissions, the weight of a single choice can feel excruciating. Our goal at Tri-Ed Tutoring is to take that weight off your shoulders and help you navigate the college admissions process with ease. This process isn’t overwhelming to us and it doesn’t have to be for you either. Use this roadmap for a seamless college admissions experience.
Summer Before Junior Year
- Take a practice SAT and ACT test to see which suits your testing style best.
- Prepare for the SAT or ACT. Without the stress of a fall course load it is a great time to get ahead.
Junior Year
September
Keep your grades up this year. Start the year off strong by getting focused and organize early.
October
Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
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November/December
Continue to keep your grades up.
Decide if you are going to take the SAT, ACT, or both.
Decide when you are going to take the SAT or ACT.
Consider course load, activities, and test day obligations when scheduling a date.
January
Create an SAT or ACT study plan.
Start preparing at least eight weeks prior to your test date. If you have already completed the bulk of review over the summer, even better! Now you can simply review the material prior to the test.
Keep your grades up.
Plan your schedule for senior year. Don’t slack off, colleges want to see that you are still taking a challenging curriculum your last year.
February/March
Prepare for the SAT/ACT.
Continue investigating different colleges in which you may be interested. Track admission requirements for each school here.
April
Ask teachers for recommendations before the end of junior year. Many teachers only agree to write a certain number of recommendations so asking early ensures you have teachers that know you well committed to writing your letter.
If you have already taken the SAT or ACT and are not satisfied with your score, review your SAT score report or ACT score report and target weak areas before retaking the test.
May/June
Study for AP tests to earn college credits.
Do well on all final exams and SOLs.
Take the SAT or ACT if you haven’t already.
Summer before Senior Year
Visit college campuses and consider these questions. Check out CollegeBoard for tips on getting the most out of your campus visit.
If you are planning to take the SAT or ACT, during senior year, summer is a great time to review.
Volunteer in your community.
Senior Year
September
Attend college nights in your area. Even when in-person college nights are not an option, there are many virtual college visits available.
Narrow your list of colleges to no more than 10. Discus the application process with your guidance counselor and make sure you are on the right track.
If recommendations are required, be sure to ask teachers, employers, counselors, etc. early.
Write all college application deadlines on one calendar. Track completed submission items here.
October/November
Finish taking any SATs or ACTs if needed.
Write personal statements for college applications. Request feedback from as many people as possible.
Submit Early Decision and/or rolling admissions applications.
Submit your FAFSA form as early as October 1.
December
Finalize college applications. Most regular decision applications are due the beginning of January.
Start searching for and submitting applications for scholarships.
January
Do well on mid-terms.
February-April
Keep your motivation level and grades up! Many college acceptance letters are contingent upon end of year grades.
May
Prepare for and do your best on AP exams to earn college credit.
Make final decision about which college you will attend.
June
Congratulate yourself on graduating! It took a lot of hard work!