College Counseling Timeline

• Work hard in school. Position self for challenging junior year classes.
• Take the PSAT.
• Take admission tours at local colleges to get a sense of different options (size, setting, location, liberal arts/comprehensive, public/private, etc.)
• Access to Naviance is provided.
• Explore majors and careers on Naviance, ACT and College Board websites.
• Plan for summer: Junior Project, volunteer work, internships, jobs, camps, academic programs, etc.
• Consult TeenLife for suggestions.
• Prepare for standardized tests. Read extensively, use the free, online Khan Academy. Consider tutors or test prep classes.

October

• PSAT/NMSQT (required)
• Family Weekend College Counseling Preview

December/January

• Return of PSATs and explanation of results
• Complete Junior Questionnaire in Family Connection
• Register for optional SAT prep course at Walker’s
• Look into summer programs
• Take free practice ACT at Walker’s
• SAT at Walker’s
• Junior Parent Program and individual meetings for parents

February

• Start Junior College Seminar
• Define college and personal criteria and build college list
• Compile list of colleges to visit during Spring Break

March

• Spring Break – Visit colleges
• Organize summer plans (work, internship programs, volunteer activities)

April

• Prepare list of colleges to meet with during HAISSCCA (Hartford Area Independent School College Counselor Association) College Fair
• Attend HAISCCA College Fair (required for all juniors)
• Work on college essay
• Meet with advisor and teachers about senior course selection
• ACT (various locations - transportation provided)

May

• Before the end of the semester, ask two teachers if they will write you a college recommendation letter, and give them the Teacher Recommendation Prompt form
• SAT at Walker’s

June/July/August

• SAT at Walker’s
• ACT (various locations - transportation provided)
• Research and visit colleges
• Work on applications, including essay
• Narrow down college list

September

• Start senior college counseling seminar
• Meet with college counselors to review final college list
• Visit colleges and interview
• ACT at various locations (transportation provided)
• Meet with college admissions representatives at Walker’s
• Put finishing touches on essay and supplements

October

• Complete "My Colleges" (Colleges That I’m Thinking About) on Naviance and verify application list with College Counseling Office
• SAT at Walker’s
• Send test scores to colleges that require them: SAT (www.collegeboard.org); ACT (www.actstudent.org)
• Complete applications
• If applying for college financial aid, fill out and submit required forms (FAFSA for all colleges and the CSS Profile for some; check college website for deadlines)
• Confirm teacher recommendation writers
• Meet with college admissions representatives at Walker’s
• Visit colleges, especially during fall break
• Appointments available for parents to meet with college counselors during Family Weekend
• Early decision (ED)/early action (EA) applicants file applications and necessary financial aid materials

November/December

• Submit applications!
• Visit colleges during early part of Thanksgiving break
• Some ED and EA notifications. If accepted ED, withdraw all other applications
• Work hard and keep grades up!

January

• Attend Alumnae College Panel at Walker’s (required)
• Submit remaining applications
• Investigate and apply for local scholarships - see Naviance for list

February – April

• Await admission decisions
• Attend Accepted Students programs or arrange overnight visits
• Notify College Counseling Office of all decisions

May

• Respond to the one college you wish to attend by May 1 (regular and EA decision) with deposit. Notify others that you won’t be attending

June – August

• Fill out and return all matriculation-related paperwork for colleges
• Pack… and keep in touch!
• GRADUATION!

January

• Attend Alumnae Dessert Reception at Walker’s - as a panelist!