Juniors….
POSTSECONDARY PLANNING TIMELINE (LINK)
1. BEGIN YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH EARLY: (like…right now!!!) Beyond the obvious, get to know what GPA and SAT/ACT score will give you your best chance of being accepted. Make a table of application requirements (essays, recommendation letters, community service, SAT II requirements and so on)
2. TEST EARLY: complete all your SAT/ACT testing by the end of your junior year. Plan out a strategy as to which tests and what dates to register for. Allow for time to either take a test preparation class or work with a tutor if you find yourself scoring below what you need to get into your dream college.
3. APPLY EARLY: Students applying in September, October and November have a better chance than those applying in late December, January, February and March (slim chance). Achieving your target GPA and Test scores by the end of your junior year will also allow you to take advantage of Early Decision and Early Action deadlines in October and November.
4. BEING ACCEPTED EARLY: By applying early, you may be accepted early. Just think how nice it would be to go you your family parties and dinners in December and tell everyone that you have already been accepted to college!!!
5. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID EARLY: By being accepted early, you can apply for financial aid (FAFSA) early – beginning January 1 of your senior year. “The early bird gets the worm” is so true when it comes to financial aid. MONEY RUNS OUT!!!!!
6. EVALUATE YOUR AWARD LETTERS: If you apply for financial aid early, you will receive your financial aid award letter early. You will now be able to sit down with your parents and go over with them the financial “bottom line” of your final college selection.
7. YOUR FINAL CHOICE…AND THE WINNER IT!!!: This whole process boils down to the day you select “the winner”. Most colleges would like an answer from you by May 1st. Remember not only should you notify the college that you’ll be attending “that you’re cumin” but it is also courteous to notify those colleges that you are declining. A nice courteous and thoughtful letter on your part may very well open up a slot for another well deserving student. And so begins another wonderful and exciting journey in your life.
