Transition and Reentry
College Preparation Timeline
Junior Year:
Summer-October:
- Begin your college planning with a self-evaluation: consider personality, interests, values, abilities & spiritual direction.
- Talk with your parents and teachers about college options and visit colleges if you are able to.
- Begin driver education classes in the summer before your junior year or work a part-time job to save money for college.
- Consider running for leadership positions in your school and clubs. Leadership experience is valued by colleges & universities and can give you an advantage for college acceptance.
- Start volunteering and log hours. (Many colleges require volunteer hours and experience for various programs)
September-November:
- Begin a college search (see websites listed in this packet for assistance in beginning your search)
- Prepare for the SAT or ACT
- Check the admissions requirements of the colleges of your top choices to know which test they accept (most accept either)
- Look at both ACT & SAT prep material to determine which testing format is preferred by the MK
- Work on improving weak areas in the PSAT to prepare for the SAT or ACT
- Register for the May or June SAT or ACT
December:
- Request more information and applications from colleges of interest.
- Begin to narrow down college list.
- Learn the admissions standards of colleges of interest
March - May:
- Select difficult courses for high school senior year. (Now is not the time for Senioritis)
- Take the SAT or ACT.
Summer:
- If home on itineration, make it a priority to visit college campuses.
- Prepare a working list (resume) of your personal accomplishments, activities, and work/volunteer experience.
- Prepare a personal essay of your life-long learning intentions and the reason for these goals.
Senior Year
September:
- Narrow down the list of colleges to at least 4-5.
- Investigate scholarship opportunities.
- Register online for the October & November SAT I & II or ACT.
October:
- Begin filling out applications, concentrating on essays. (Be aware of deadlines; colleges vary.)
- Request letters of recommendation from your teachers and others.
- Have test scores sent to at least four or more colleges.
November:
- Parents and MKs should discuss college financing strategies, such as work study, grants, parent plus loans, etc.
December:
- Complete applications to meet January 1 deadlines.
- Keep copies of all your applications.
January-February:
- Complete and submit college applications to meet February 1 deadlines.
- Submit FASFA as soon as possible after January 1, but before the March 15 deadline. Keep copies of everything you send. (For more information about FAFSA, see page 12)
- Continue scholarship searches.
- Begin R.A.F.T. model for Reentry (see page 6 )
March-April:
- Most colleges notify students of admissions decisions during these months.
- Make decisions between colleges that have accepted the student – weigh the annual cost of the college against scholarships offered.
- Respond by letter to those schools accepting or declining the offer.
May- June:
- Graduate High School.
- Prepare for the transition to college life away from parents.