University/College Application Calendar

There’s a lot to keep track of when you’re applying to college. Use this calendar to get an overview of the college application process and the deadlines you have to meet.
 


The Summer Before Senior Year

•  Visit colleges that interest you. Get the campus tour schedule. Arrange an on-campus interview with an admission representative.

•  Create a resume — a list of your accomplishments, activities and work experiences. Your resume can help you complete your applications and essays.

•  Keep a college calendar of all admission deadlines.

September

•  Contact your school counselor — your counselor plays a big role in helping you get into college. Meet to talk about your college plans and review your transcript.

•  Finalize your list of colleges. Be sure you list "safety" colleges, as well as “probable” and "reach" colleges. Review college applications and informational materials. Organize materials into

October

•  Ask your counselor, teachers or employers for letters of recommendation. Give them plenty of time to meet your deadlines and be sure to provide them with stamped and addressed envelopes.

November

•  Submit early decision and early action applications on time.

•  Work hard at completing your college essays. Proofread them rigorously for mistakes.

December

•  Try to wrap up college applications before winter break. Make copies of each application before you send it.

•  If you take the SAT or SAT Subject Tests this month, make sure your scores are sent to each of your colleges.

January

•  Have your counselor send your first-semester grades to colleges that require a midyear grade report.

February

•  Contact your colleges and confirm that all necessary application materials have been received.

•  Continue to perform well in school and don't get senioritis; colleges want to see strong second-semester grades.

March

•  Read carefully any admission decisions that arrive this month; some may require action on your part.

April

•  Read carefully any admission decisions and compare the financial aid award letters that arrive this month; some may require action on your part.

•  Make a final decision, and mail the enrollment form and deposit check to the college you select before the May 1 enrollment deadline (for most colleges).

May

•  Study hard for final exams. Most admission offers are contingent on your final grades.

•  Thank your counselor, teachers, employers and anyone else who wrote letters of recommendation for you or otherwise helped with your college applications.

June

•  Have your counselor send your final transcript to your chosen college.

•  If you plan on competing in Division I or Division II college sports, have your counselor send your final transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center. 

Summer

•  Make travel plans; book early for the best prices.

•  Shop for items you need for college.

•  Make sure to sign up for first-year orientation.

•  Plan your first-semester courses. Choose subjects that interest you and may become your college major.
http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/apply/college-applications/21357.html