The Ivy Institute

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Planning for college? Here are the steps all students should take.

Here is a general college admissions calendar that students can follow to stay on track:

Freshman Year:

  • Focus on developing good study habits and academic skills.

  • Get involved in extracurricular activities and find your interests.

  • Meet with your school counselor to discuss academic planning.

Sophomore Year:

  • Continue to build strong study habits and academic skills.

  • Continue to participate in extracurricular activities.

  • Consider taking the PSAT or a practice ACT/SAT.

  • Begin researching colleges and their admissions requirements.

Junior Year:

  • Take the PSAT in the fall and the SAT or ACT in the spring.

  • Start preparing for the standardized tests if you haven't already.

  • Meet with your school counselor to discuss college planning.

  • Narrow down your list of potential colleges and visit campuses if possible.

  • Begin drafting your college essays and personal statement.

Summer before Senior Year:

  • Continue visiting colleges and attend college fairs.

  • Finalize your list of colleges and their application requirements.

  • Begin filling out applications and gather necessary materials (transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation).

  • Continue working on your college essays.

Senior Year:

  • Submit college applications by the deadlines.

  • Request transcripts and test scores to be sent to colleges.

  • Follow up with your chosen colleges to ensure all application materials have been received.

  • Apply for financial aid and scholarships.

  • Review acceptance letters and compare financial aid packages.

  • Make your final decision and submit a deposit to the college of your choice.

Remember, this is just a general guideline and the exact timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances. It's important to stay organized and on top of deadlines to ensure a successful college application process.