Timeline for High School Students
A Guide for both Parents and Students for both the application and financial aid process
Timeline
Senior Year:
November 1st is the most common early decision deadline, with November 15th being the second most common early decision deadline. Thus, if you want to prepare a good, solid, and outstanding early decision application – start in September of your senior year.
December 1st, December 31st and January 1st are the most common regular decision deadlines for highly selective schools. Some schools extend there deadline to February 1st or February 15th. While we highly recommend starting in September for your application, a good application can be produced, starting as late as October or November. It is important to know your own schedule. Applying to colleges is a serious matter and takes time. Applications made in two or three weeks often turn out mundane, and even sloppy. We especially recommend our services if you nearing the deadline!
If you decide you want to retake the SAT’s or any other standardized test – do so before your application is submitted. With numerous applicants across the world to highly selective colleges, a “waiting for score” turns into a tossed-aside application. Remember, registration deadlines for these exams are often a month in advance of the actual test date – unless you want to pay more for registration fees. The summer before your senior year is a good time to re-take your tests. August-September is also fine, but anything afterward is pushing it. Of course, you can always choose to retake it closer to application deadlines if need be.
Financial aid is an entirely different issue. Many, many, many students miss out on scholarship deadlines because of how early they are. They are usually a month-two months before your actual application deadline. Universities accept financial aid applications later, but remember applications earlier are considered first.
There is a difference between financial aid and scholarships. The FAFSA can be submitted later (April 15th) and you will be fine. However, the single-page financial aid form that comes with applications should be submitted as early as possible. This is very important because:
Many private universities, including the Ivies, are not technically allowed to give out Merit scholarships. So, if you are a National Merit Finalist (congratulations!) – this helps you zero financially, unless you consider your state’s school. BUT, universities offer aid in other “merit” forms, such as research grants. However, you won’t be considered unless your essays hint at being worthy of these specific types of scholarships AND your financial aid application is submitted early enough. Seriously consider us for more information about financial aid and how our services can benefit you.
Junior Year:
This is the year to focus on AP exams and the SAT I, SAT II, and ACT. It is also your most important year in regards to course selection. Now is not the time to take that easy-A class. Push yourself, and it will be worth it in the end. Many students also take the PSAT for the first time during their junior year. This is wrong, make your first time be your sophomore year. Trust us, it is worth it.
We offer a free consultation for high school juniors. Why? We want to help you! The earlier you talk to us, the better our chances are of helping you out later. Consider us supplementary to your high school counselor. The difference being, we will be straightforward and have experience with colleges within the top 20 of the nation.
Freshman to Sophomore Year:
PSATs, Internships, and other Summer Programs. Colleges want to know what you did during the summer. Search how to become involved in the summer. We have many ideas and can help you, email us your goals, and we can gear you in the right direction.
The PSAT is very important. Many students put this off or ignore it completely. However, being a National Merit Finalist is a huge recognition. We offer excellent prep for the PSAT!