College Path Checklist The college search process can be a challenge. However, with a little planning, it also can be a rewarding journey. The following checklist will keep you on the right track throughout your college search.

Junior year or earlier

• Plan a rigorous course of study for your last years of high school
• Take the college admissions test(s) (ACT, SAT)
• Meet with your high school counselor or your college advisor
• Begin your college search:
• Go to college fairs
• Meet with admissions counselors who visit your high school
• Ask family and friends for their recommendations
• Check out colleges’ websites
• Research schools through their catalogs and publications (Email the admissions office to request these materials)
• Look at lists of college rankings and use online college search sites
• Reflect on your priorities for your college experience
• Prepare for your college visit:
• Develop a list of important questions to ask
• Make arrangements with your teachers and school attendance office about missing classes for college visits
• Schedule your visits through the college admissions offices.  Ask about meeting with faculty, coaches, etc. if you are interested
• Start your college visits:
• Meet with a college admissions counselor
• Take a tour
• Meet with a professor in your academic area
• Sit in on a class
• Talk with coaches, music directors and others who lead college programs in your areas of interest
• Talk to students about their experiences
• Ask questions from your prepared list

Summer before your senior year

• Continue college visits. Take advantage of special summer visit programs
• Ask friends about their first year of college
• Organize and read the college information you’ve received
• Compile a résumé including extra-curricular activities, community service, work experience, awards and honors, etc.
• Feeling ambitious?  Get a headstart on filling out your applications.

Senior year

• Continue rigorous college-prep curriculum
• Retake ACT or SAT if you wish
• Apply to colleges (start early!):
• Find application online or request a paper copy
• Fill out application. Make sure you proofread before submitting.  Keep a copy of all your completed applications for your records.
• Follow your high school’s procedure to send:
• Application and fee
• Official transcript through high school
• Test scores (ACT and/or SAT)
• Original writing sample (if required)
• Teacher or counselor recommendations (as specified by the college)
• Follow up to make sure all materials arrive at the college
• Continue college visits:
• Make repeat visits to schools you liked the first time
• Interview with the admissions office if recommended for admissions process
• Set up overnight visits at your top 2 or 3 choices
• Work through financial aid process:
• Fill out FAFSA form and other required financial assistance materials (available after January 1)
• Investigate scholarships at the colleges you are considering (academic, co-curricular, talent, heritage- or religion-affiliated, etc.)
• Fill out additional forms required for scholarships
• Look for local/private scholarship programs
• Select your college by May 1:
• Send necessary deposit(s)
• Investigate housing options
• Notify colleges not selected of your choice