Timeline for preparing for college

The high school years are especially important to college preparation. Here are some guidelines for what to do when.

Freshman and sophomore years

• Take interest and skills assessments to find out what careers you might consider
• Talk with parents and counselors about the education needed for those careers
• Review your high school class plan to make sure you’re taking the classes you need for college
• Focus on your schoolwork and get good grades
• Participate in outside activities

Junior year

• Attend college fairs and college visits at your school
• Review your high school class plan to make sure you’re taking the classes you need for college and are earning good grades
• Take the PSAT — top scores can qualify you for National Merit Scholarships and it is good practice for the SAT/ACT exams
• Talk with parents and counselors about your career options and college plans
• Research colleges and request materials from those that interest you
• Start visiting colleges
• Take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring

Summer before your senior year

• Attend Minnesota Private College Week in June
• Organize and read the college information you've received or downloaded
• Continue researching college options

Senior year
Fall:

• Review your high school class plan to make sure you’re taking the classes you need for college and are earning good grades
• Decide which schools to apply to
• Retake the ACT or SAT, if necessary
• Review admission and financial aid applications and gather the items you’ll need
• Be aware of your potential schools' application deadlines, especially if you are applying Early Decision
• Visit or revisit colleges

Winter:

• Send your applications
• Apply for private scholarships
• Begin your financial aid application by filling out the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 (parents must complete their taxes first)
• Carefully review the Student Aid Report (SAR) resulting from your FAFSA application. Return it as soon as possible if you make corrections.

Spring:

• Compare financial aid offers from schools that have accepted you
• Make the final decision — notify all the schools of your decision to accept or decline their offer of admission
• Send necessary deposit(s) and secure housing