The College Admissions Timeline

Getting organized for college admissions in a strategic yet practicable way for today's student can start as early as ninth grade. Although there is not a great deal to do in this respect as a 9th grader, intentional planning from grade 9 forward tends to help rather than hurt one's college application journey. 

Having said that, it is not necessary nor in some circumstances desirable to subscribe to the stress of college admissions for the vast majority of students until 10th or even 11th grade.  Here is a general outline of the college admissions planning process that applies to most students. 

• 12-18 months before college enrollment: Start researching colleges and universities to determine which ones align with your academic and career goals. This can include visiting college websites, talking to college representatives, and attending college fairs.  In the US, most high schools now subscribe to a system such as Naviance which provides a host of tools to help generate your target list of colleges. 
• 9-12 months before college enrollment: Take the SAT or ACT. Many colleges and universities require applicants to submit scores from one of these standardized tests as part of the admissions process.  Although there is momentum behind the "Test Optional" movement, standardized test scores are still required by most state scholarship programs; if you are scoring within 1-2 points of the average SAT or ACT score, taking a test to compete for this type of merit aid makes sense.  Additionally, 2021 admissions data from the first true "Test Optional Cohort" suggests that students who submitted a favorable standardized test score, were granted admission at a higher rate than students who did not.  
• 9-12 months before college enrollment: Start gathering materials for your college applications. This may include transcripts, recommendation letters, test scores, essays, and any other required documents.
• 6-9 months before college enrollment: Begin filling out college applications. Be sure to pay attention to deadlines and requirements for each school you are applying to.
• 3-6 months before college enrollment: Submit your college applications and any required materials.
• 2-3 months before college enrollment: Wait for college acceptance letters.
• 1-2 months before college enrollment: Make a decision about which college to attend and submit your enrollment deposit.
• 1-2 months before college enrollment: Register for classes and complete any necessary paperwork for enrollment.
• Before college enrollment: If you are eligible for financial aid, apply for financial aid and scholarships. This may include completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Before college enrollment: Find housing if you will be living on campus or in a college-affiliated residence.
• Before college enrollment: Purchase any necessary textbooks and supplies.
• Before college enrollment: Attend any required orientation or registration events.

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TPAPT is a national consortium of local, independent teachers and tutors working to expand community access to local educational support and advising.   We offer TPAPT Self Study​ programs to help students with SAT & ACT preparation.