Timeline Checklists
Juniors Checklist
Junior Summer: Do Before Applying to College
- Set up a professional-sounding email address.
- Create a balanced list of reach, match, and safety colleges.
- Go to the application website.
- Note the regular application deadline.
- Note the early application deadline.
Junior Summer: Take Tests/Exams for Admission
- Find out if an admission test is required.
- Take an admission test, if required.
- Take other required or recommended tests (e.g., AP Exams, IB exams).
- Send admission test scores, if required, with your application.
- Send other test scores.
- Retest by summer of junior year or fall of senior year.
Seniors Checklist
- Early Senior Yr: Get Letters and Essay Ready
- Fall of Senior Yr: Make a Campus Visit & Apply for Financial Aid
- Submit Application & Pay Fees by Deadlines
- Spring of Senior Yr: Make Your Selections
Early Senior Yr: Get Letters and Essay Ready
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Request recommendation letters at LEAST 3 weeks before turning in application. Provide a résumé for reference.
- Send thank-you notes to recommendation writers.
- Start the essay drafting and revision process 2 months prior to the application deadline.
- Draft initial essay.
- Proofread essay for spelling and grammar.
- Have two people read your essay.
- Revise your essay.
- Proofread your revision.
Fall of Senior Yr: Make a Campus Visit & Apply for Financial Aid
- Interview at the college campus, if required.
- Submit FAFSA® if eligible.
- Submit CSS PROFILE if needed.
- Make a note of the priority financial aid deadline.
- Make a note of the regular financial aid deadline.
- Submit college aid form if needed.
- Submit a state aid form if needed.
- Check the college's financial aid website to see if you need to submit any additional institution forms.
Submit Application & Pay Fees by Deadlines
- Complete college application.
- Save copies of your application and application materials.
- Pay application fee. Submit an application fee waiver if eligible.
- Submit application.
- Request high school transcript to be sent.
- Request midyear grade report to be sent.
- Confirm receipt of application materials by checking your application status online.
- Send additional material if needed.
- Tell your school counselor that you applied.
- Receive letter from admissions office.