Navigating the College Process: Any Checklists Available?

I'm starting to dive into the whole college process as a sophomore, and it's honestly a bit overwhelming. Does anyone have a good checklist to help keep track of everything I need to do? Any tips for staying organized would also be super helpful!

You're doing a fantastic job by seeking out ways to organize your college application process, especially in the form of a checklist. Creating a checklist can be particularly helpful in breaking down the process into manageable tasks and ensuring you're taking care of all the essentials. Here's a simplified breakdown of the process, which you might find helpful:

Junior Year:

- Begin researching prospective colleges and universities: Consider factors such as academics, location, size, campus culture, cost, financial aid, and extracurricular opportunities.

- Take the PSAT: The PSAT acts as a good practice for the SAT, and qualifying scores could land you a National Merit Scholarship.

- Plan and take your SAT/ACT exams: Given that some colleges have resumed standardized testing requirements (like Harvard, Brown, and Purdue), it's recommended you prepare and sit for these tests. But also keep in mind some colleges remain test-optional (like Columbia, Princeton, and UChicago).

- Start engaging in leadership roles or advanced activities, particularly in your areas of interest.

Summer before Senior Year:

- Refine your college list: Aim for a balanced list, which includes reach, target, and safety schools.

- Draft your essays: Start working on your Common App essay and have it reviewed by multiple individuals for feedback.

- Plan college visits or virtual tours: This will demonstrate your interest and help you make a more informed decision.

Senior Year Fall:

- Complete and submit your applications: Take into account all the various deadlines for Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision.

- Request your recommendation letters: Establish who your recommenders will be and ask them early. You want to give them plenty of time to write a strong recommendation.

- Fill out FAFSA and CSS Profile: If you're seeking financial aid, complete these forms as soon as they open in October.

Senior Year Spring:

- Wait for responses and make your decision: Once you've received your acceptance letters and financial aid packages, weigh your options, and make your final decision.

- Submit your deposit: Once you have made your decision, submit your deposit to secure your spot.

- Graduate High School: Congratulate yourself on all your hard work!

Remember, this process can be different for each individual student based on your specific circumstances and goals. Take this checklist as a general guide and feel free to modify it to suit your needs. Happy planning!