I'm trying to understand everything involved in applying to colleges in the US. Can anyone share the main steps I should be focusing on as a high school junior? What are the deadlines I need to keep in mind?
Sure, I can lay out a rough timeline for you based on what year of high school you're in.
As a junior:
1. Explore and Research Colleges: Start researching potential colleges that align with your academic and personal interests. Look up schools based on majors, location, size, and anything else important to you. It's good to have a mix of reach, match, and safety schools.
2. Standardized Tests: Study for and take standardized tests (SAT, ACT). Familiarize yourself with the new digital versions of these exams. Beginning in fall 2023, the SAT has been offered online, and as of spring 2024, both the SAT and PSAT went fully digital. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, some colleges require them, while some remain test-optional.
3. Scholarship Research: Start doing research on potential scholarships you can apply for, and make sure you know their deadlines.
In the summer before your senior year:
1. College Essays: Begin working on your college essays. The Common Application generally releases its essay prompts in January, so you can start brainstorming and drafting your responses.
2. Visit Colleges: If possible, visit schools to help solidify your college list. Due to Covid-19, virtual tours and open houses might be offered.
As a senior:
1. Retake Standardized Tests: If needed, retake the SAT or ACT in the fall of your senior year.
2. Finish Your College List: Finalize your list of colleges. Usually, students apply to around 8-12 colleges, with a mix of reach, match, and safety schools.
3. Applications: Complete college applications. If the colleges on your list use the Common App, it opens on August 1st. The UC application filing period is October 1 to November 30.
4. Financial Aid: Fill out the FAFSA and CSS Profile (if necessary) for financial aid. The FAFSA becomes available on October 1st.
5. Deadlines: Be mindful of application deadlines. Early decision/early action deadlines are typically in early November, while regular decision deadlines are usually in early January.
6. Wait for Decisions: After submitting your applications, wait to hear back from colleges. Decisions typically start arriving in March.
7. Decide: Make your college decision! The national decision day is May 1st.
This is a broad overview and your specific timeline may vary, but these are the basic steps you'll likely be following. Good luck with the process!
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