Junior Summer Checklist for the College Process
- Visit and continue to research schools. Narrow your list to 6-10 schools with 2-3 schools in each of the following categories: Reach, Possible and Likely. Update your prospective college list on Naviance when you make changes.
- Once you have finalized your application list on Naviance, move your list from “Colleges I’m Thinking About” to “Colleges I’m Applying To.”
- If you intend to play an NCAA Division I or II sport, please see your counselor before the end of school regarding the registration process.
- Choose a Common Application essay prompt and write a complete response. Remember, there is a 650-word limit.
- On or after August 1st, roll over your common application account: http://www.commonapp.org
- When available, typically after August 1st, review college specific supplements on the Common Application and draft responses. In addition, set up accounts for colleges that do not accept the Common Application.
- Register for standardized tests.Go to http://www.collegeboard.org for the SAT and http://www.act.org for the ACT for test registration dates and deadlines.
- If needed, please see your counselor for any SAT or ACT test prep ideas and resources.
- If you have already completed testing, please see your counselor to discuss strategies for sending scores.
- Research all deadlines for applications as well as deadlines for merit and need based financial aid programs and scholarships. Many of the school’s scholarship deadlines will be much earlier than their application deadlines.
- Check the required financial aid forms for each college you are applying to. Be aware that the FAFSA is available for you and your family to complete beginning October 1st of each year. The CSS Profile should also be completed as soon after October 1st as possible.