Tutoring experts say high school students should follow this timeline to attend the college of their dreams
San Diego County CA— Throughout November and December, high school students are a-flurry finalizing college applications, taking test prep courses and requesting letters of recommendation. To ease the minds of soon-to-be college students, C2 Education, a tutoring and mentoring service, offers tips to make the college admissions process as simple as possible.
WHY: To avoid the stress that comes with the educational milestone of applying to colleges, students must understand the timeline and the preparation — which begins long before sending in the first application.
Tips for throughout high school
Maintain a rigorous class schedule
Keep grades up
Don’t overlook extracurricular activities
Tips for junior year
Fall:
Take the PSAT/NMSQT
Start SAT and/or ACT prep
Research options
Visit schools
Spring:
Register for and take the SAT and/or ACT
Register for and take a handful of SAT Subject Tests
Prepare for and take AP exams
Narrow down list of colleges
Tips for senior year
Fall:
Identify teachers for recommendations
Take the SAT and/or ACT again
Revise college application essays
Follow college application plan
If needed, submit CSS Profile
Spring:
Submit any remaining college applications
Complete and submit the FAFSA and any school-based financial aid forms
Play the waiting game
Compare financial aid packages from the schools where you received admission
Pick your school
Take AP exams
Maintain your grades
Pay attention to deadlines
Click here for more detailed tips on college admissions.
Click [here] to downlad PDF chart