Summary: The application process spans 18 months across junior and senior year. Use this month-by-month calendar to stay ahead of testing windows, essay drafts, recommendation requests, and financial aid deadlines.
Grade 11 (Junior Year)
September – October
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT (October) — qualifies for National Merit
- Research college list based on fit, programs, and outcomes
- Meet with your school counselor to review course plan
- Begin thinking about essay themes and personal stories
November – December
- Review PSAT results; calibrate SAT/ACT plan
- Register for spring SAT or ACT (March–June window)
- Begin research visits or virtual tours of target schools
January – February
- Finalize initial college list (12–18 schools at this stage)
- Identify 2 teachers for recommendation letters — build relationships now
- Draft first personal statement brainstorm (Common App prompt 1)
March – April
- Take SAT or ACT (first attempt; spring window)
- Start a rough personal statement draft
- Research early action and early decision options carefully
- Schedule summer campus visits
May – June
- AP exams — strong scores can strengthen your application
- Formally ask 2 teachers for recommendation letters
- Submit brag sheet to counselor for their recommendation
- Refine college list to 10–14 schools across reach, match, and safety
Summer Between Junior and Senior Year
- Write your personal statement — aim for a complete draft by August
- Draft school-specific supplements for your top 3–5 schools
- Retake SAT/ACT in August if needed
- Visit campuses; attend open houses and info sessions
- Gather financial documents for FAFSA (available October 1)
Grade 12 (Senior Year)
August – September
- Finalize college list (10–14 schools)
- Open Common App account; complete demographics and activities
- Confirm EA/ED schools and deadlines
- Confirm recommendation letter status with each teacher/counselor
- Retake SAT/ACT if August scores weren't strong enough
October
- FAFSA opens October 1 — file as early as possible
- CSS Profile due for many private schools (check each deadline)
- Submit ED applications (deadline Nov 1 or Nov 15 for most schools)
- Submit EA applications (deadline Nov 1 or Nov 15)
- Send final SAT/ACT scores to all colleges on your list
November – December
- Receive ED results (typically mid-December)
- Complete and submit all Regular Decision applications
- Send mid-year report (first-semester transcript) when available
- Apply for merit scholarships with December–January deadlines
January – March
- RD deadline for most schools: Jan 1–15
- Continue applying for external scholarships
- Check application portals for missing documents or updates
April – May
- Admission decisions arrive (typically late March – early April)
- Compare financial aid award letters (deadline to commit: May 1)
- Appeal financial aid offers if needed
- Submit final deposit and housing application
- Notify schools you won't be attending
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