This could be an overwhelming time for you, but don't stress too much about it! It'll all be worth it in the end! 
College To Do List
⇒ Maintain good grades — 85 or better!
⇒ Join a school club or team
⇒ Mark important dates on calendar — meet all deadlines
⇒ Register for SAT/ACT, or Take or Retake SAT/ACT
⇒ Request admission info from colleges
⇒ Attend college fairs
⇒ Make college choices
⇒ Ask for letters of recommendation
⇒ Write application/scholarship essays
⇒ Fill out college applications
⇒ Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
⇒ Record financial aid awards from schools where you have been accepted
⇒ Record any honors you’ve received
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AUGUST
⇒ Register for the September ACT if appropriate
⇒ Come up with a preliminary list of
colleges that includes reach, match
and safety schools.
⇒ Explore the websites of the colleges that interest you to learn about admissions requirements.
⇒ Check your senior year class schedule to make sure you're taking the English, Math, Social Science,
Science, and Foreign Language classes you'll need for your top-choice colleges.
⇒ Visit campuses and interview with college representatives if appropriate.
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SEPTEMBER
⇒ Register for October or November SAT & SAT Subject exams.
⇒ Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss the college to which you're thinking of applying.
⇒ Request letters of recommendation, especially if you're applying early.
⇒ Continue to visit campuses and itnerview with college admissions representatives.
⇒ Create a chart of deadlines.
⇒ Begin looking for scholarships.
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OCTOBER
⇒ Take the SAT I and/or SAT II exams, if necessary.
⇒ Continue to research schools to narrow your list to roughly 6-8 schools.
⇒ Take advantage of college fairs and virtual tours.
⇒ Complete application if you are applying early decision or early action.
⇒ Research financial aid and scholarships.
⇒ Get your college essay in shape. Get feedback on your writing from a guidance counselor and a teacher.
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NOVEMBER
⇒ Register for the December SAT/ACT, if applicable.
Take the November SAT, if
applicable.
⇒ Don't let your grades slide!
⇒ Make sure you've submitted
all components of your applications
if you are applying to colleges with November deadlines for early decision or preferred application.
⇒ Put the final touches on your application essays, and get feedback.
⇒ Continue to research scholarships.
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DECEMBER
⇒ Complete your applications for regular admissions.
⇒ Make sure you've had your test scores sent to all colleges that require them.
⇒ Apply to outside funding and/or scholarships.
⇒ PARENTS: Gather your income tax returns or save your year-end payroll stub if it shows your earnings for the year.
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JANUARY
⇒ PARENTS: Get your income tax returns prepared early for the FAFSA.
⇒ Submit your completed FAFsA to the processor as soon after January 1st as possible.
⇒ Keep copies of all forms you submit.
⇒ Continue your scholarship search.
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FEBRUARY
⇒ Make sure your mid-year transcripts have been sent to the schools to which you have applied.
⇒ Submit your FAFSA by February 15th to qualify for institutional awards.
⇒ Rank your final list of colleges.
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MARCH
⇒ Look for your Student Aid Report (SAR) which contains federal Pell
Frant Program inforamtion.
⇒ If verification's required, submit tax forms to the financial aid office.
⇒ Contact each office to make certain that your application is complete.
⇒ If you have not received your SAR withing 4 weeks of sending in your FAFSA, contact the Fereral Student
Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243
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APRIL
⇒ Watch the mail for college acceptance letters. Compare the financial aid awards you receive.
⇒ Make your final decision.
⇒ Watch for important deadlines at your college of choice (housing, financial aid, etc.)
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MAY
⇒ May 1st is National Candidates Reply Date.
⇒ Request final transcript to be sent to your college of choice.
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