1. Don’t let it sneak up on you!!
The College Time Frame
Don’t let it sneak up on you!!

2. 9th Grade – It all starts now!
The high school transcript, GPA, Class Rank
Activities and Interests
Students need to begin to explore:
Careers
Interests
Aptitudes (Johnson O’Conner Research Institute)
Ideas about what college should be like
What do they want out of their future?
Save some money if necessary

3. 10th Grade Continue doing well in class
Continue research into careers and interests
Have students “design” their own college and begin a search for a comparable match
Speak with friends and families about the college experience, the world of work, or both
Contact your top 10 schools and get on their mailing lists. Make a phone call!!
Take PSAT or PLAN 1st time

4. 11th Grade
Need to have potential colleges/universities narrowed down to 5 by the end of the Junior year. Visit all 5 if possible before start of Senior year.
Begin Scholarship Research (Local, Regional, National, and School Level)
PSAT for NMSQT (Scholarships and “1st choice”)
SAT and/or ACT (New vs. Old, SuperScore, Should I send???)
Parents – Help your student make a “brag sheet”

5. 12th Grade – Not a blow off! Take SAT/ACT a final time
Narrow college choices down to 3
Start a spreadsheet to keep track of schools and their deadlines, fees, required documents, etc…
Request transcripts and letters or recommendation early.
Begin application process (Common Apps. and scholarships) at start of the school year.
Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Admission
Have all admission applications submitted by Dec. 1st or 15th . Scholarships by Jan 15th or Feb 1st.
Begin the FAFSA in January of senior year
Visit campuses again the spring
AP testing in May
Receive admission letters/financial packages in spring and commit by May 1st. If on waiting list call them and let them know you are still interested.