Roadmap to College
It is essential to be organized and timely with planning, schoolwork and college applications. Seniors should have schedules that are appropriately challenging and activities that are enjoyable, yet manageable. Students should discuss, research and visit colleges to help narrow down their search.
To Do:
- Set up an appointment with your counselor in September to update them about your college applications and deadlines.
- Check in with your recommenders and inform them of your deadlines.
- Send your SAT and/or ACT scores directly to each school you are applying to.
- Sign up for and attend visiting college representative meetings.
- Maintain good grades! Most colleges request 1st quarter and mid-year grades.
Junior Timeline
November
- Attend Junior Workshops
- Familiarize yourself with Maia Learning
- Make a list of prospective schools using Maia’s Advanced Search
- Goal: 6–8 colleges (2–3 target, reach, safety)
- Understand types of schools (Liberal Arts, Universities)
December
- Build relationships with teachers and consider potential recommendation writers
- Begin test prep and register for exams
- Start tracking extracurriculars, awards, etc.
January
- Attend Junior College Night Event
- Create a standardized testing timeline (if not done already)
February – April
- Start test prep 3+ months before your test date
- Sign up for college mailing lists and follow on social media
- Attend Round 2 of Junior Workshops
- Make summer plans
- Reach out to recommenders
- Continue college visits (in person or virtual)
May – June
- Attend essay workshop and start your personal statement in English class
- Check in with your teacher recommenders
- Meet with your counselor to finalize your college list
Summer After Junior Year
- Refine your essay
- Start drafting supplemental essays (released August 1st)
- Visit colleges
- Look into FAFSA and CSS Profile
Ongoing
- Edit and revise college list
- Meet with your counselor and complete Brag Sheets
- Use Net Price Calculator for financial aid planning
- Prep for interviews
- Check email regularly
Senior Year
July / August
- Enjoy a relaxing and productive summer
- Visit college campuses
- Finish your Common App essay
- Begin finalizing college list
- Start working on supplemental essays (released August 1st)
- Check Maia Learning for college rep visits
- Check whether your colleges offer interviews
September / October
- Finish Common App essay and supplements
- Attend counselor-led Common App workshops
- Note that some deadlines are as early as 10/1
- Finish SAT/ACT and send scores
- Attend college rep visits
- Attend College Counseling Office Evening Event
- Meet with your counselor
- Complete financial aid applications
- Add recommenders to Maia Learning
- Use College Kickstart to check balance of your college list
November / December
- ED/EA deadlines usually 11/1 (some vary)
- Send first quarter grades to ED/EA schools
- Confirm SAT/ACT scores were sent
- Confirm applications are complete
- Make sure college list is balanced
January / February
- Finish semester strong—colleges see mid-year grades
- Regular decision deadlines are usually early January
- Confirm applications are complete
- Apply to scholarships
- Update Maia Learning with admission decisions
- Ensure all applications are submitted
- Thank your recommenders
March / April / May
- Attend accepted student events
- Compare financial aid packages
- May 1st: College Decision Day—make deposit
- Colleges will receive updated transcripts in June
- Inform your recommenders of your college choice
- Update Maia Learning with admissions results
- Enjoy your last few months of high school!
Ongoing Throughout Senior Year
- Make schoolwork a priority
- Attend rep visits or campus tours
- Schedule interviews (if applicable)
- Keep Maia Learning up to date
- Demonstrate interest to your colleges
- Monitor admissions and financial aid deadlines