College Application Process

While the actual college application process begins during junior year, students should considering their choices as early as freshman year. Included below is a brief timeline covering the college search process, along with some preparation tips for students:

Freshman Year

Begin examining your likes, dislikes, interests, and passions.
Join at least one club or extra-curricular activity.
Begin your resume. Keep a running list of academic accomplishments, awards, clubs, and activities.
Continue to read and develop your writing skills.
Challenge yourself academically.

Sophomore Year

Continue all of the above suggestions.
October: Take the PSAT/NMSQT in school for practice.
May: Begin using Naviance Family Connection.
Begin a file with college mail. You will use this more during junior year.

Junior Year

Concentrate on your academics and stay involved with activities you genuinely care about.
October: Take the PSAT-NMSQT. Scores on this test determine a student's standing in the National Merit Scholarship program.
Fall:
o Take SAT/ACT elective in school. Continue using Naviance Family Connection.
o Attend in-school information sessions with college representatives. A calendar of visiting schools and online sign-up can be found on Naviance Family Connection.
January: Individual parent and student conferences with the College Counselor to develop the initial list of colleges to investigate.
March: Junior essay writing lesson with the College Counselor. Continue working on this essay throughout the spring and summer.
Spring:
o It is advised that students take the SAT Reasoning Test and the ACT with Writing at least once by May. Since most colleges use the exams interchangeably, a student should retake the better of his/her exams in the fall of senior year. Students should also take the appropriate SAT II Subject Tests in June.
o Begin to research specific colleges.
o Possible visits to several colleges over Spring/Passover vacation.
o AIMS College Fair for Juniors in late April or early May.
Summer between Junior and Senior Year:
o Write for catalogs and application materials, if not requested previously.
o Plan college visits, scheduling interviews where possible. (Hint: try to have your first interview experience at a school other than a possible first choice.)
o Make appointments for fall visits – tour, interview, sample class, etc.

Senior Year

September:
o College Night program for parents
o Individual conferences with the College Counselor to create final college list. Make sure to regularly meet with your counselor and stay on top of deadlines.
o Visit more colleges if necessary. Interview whenever possible. Ask the College Counselor for interview prep. Follow up all interviews and college visits with a thank you note to the admissions representative.
o Attend in-school information sessions with college representatives. A calendar of visiting schools and online sign-up can be found on Naviance Family Connection.
o Collate application materials.
o Refine college essay and resume with the College Counselor and English teachers.
o Begin answering supplemental portions of applications.
o Register for October SAT Test or ACT exam.
o Formally (in writing) request 2 teacher recommendations (Important: Be sure to give teachers plenty of time to write recommendations.)
October:
o Register for November ACT, SAT or SAT II Subject Tests if necessary
o Early Decision or Early Action Candidates must aim to have:
 Secondary School Report forms to the College Counselor by October 1
 Applications submitted by October 20
o All applications to colleges with “priority” or “rolling” deadlines and all UMD, College Park applications should be completed by the end of October
o College visits if necessary
o Take SAT or ACT in mid October
o Start looking for scholarships.
November:
o Fill out applications carefully. All school forms for colleges with a January 1 deadline must be given to the College Counselor before November 15.
o Register for December SAT Tests if necessary.
December:
o SAT or ACT Test if necessary
o All school forms for colleges with January 15 or February 1 deadlines must be in by December 1.
January:
o Last College Board testing date (mid-January) to give time for scores to reach colleges before decision-making period.
o Complete all applications by January 15
o Begin working on the Free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for financial aid
Keep the College Counselor updated on any academic or extra-curricular developments that could influence your application as the year progresses.
Write thank you notes to the teachers who wrote your recommendations.
Reply to colleges by May 1 to enroll for next year.
Keep up your final senior year grades! Colleges will receive your final transcript in June.