If you plan to attend college or a university, here is a helpful guide for you as you navigate this process. Please reach out with any questions, or let me know if I can be of any assistance. Mrs. Justus
Junior Year (11th Grade) – Spring (March – June)
❏ March – May: Start researching colleges and majors.
❏ March – June: Take the ACT (or prepare to take it).
❏ May – June: Visit campuses (in person or virtually).
Summer Before Senior Year (June – August)
❏ June – August: Continue college visits.
❏ July: Start working on your personal statement/college essays if this is a requirement for your specific college.
Do you need to take the ACT again? If so, get registered before August 1st. www.actstudent.org
❏ August 1: Many college applications open.
Senior Year – Fall (September – December)
❏ September:
Finalize and polish essays (if needed).
If you will be applying for scholarships that require letters of recommendation, start asking your teacher(s) now.
Request transcripts from the school counselor.
Become familiar with where scholarships are posted. You can visit HERE for that site.
Apply for early-action/early-decision colleges if eligible.
❏ October 1:
FAFSA opens – apply as early as possible.
❏ November 1: Have all of your college applications completed and submitted. This is especially important if you want to go to a Division 1 school. This will enable you to avoid missing out on scholarship opportunities from the college/university.
❏ October – December:
Continue applying to scholarships (local, national, and college-specific).
Apply for college housing if this is open for your college/university
Senior Year – Winter (January – March)
❏ January – February:
Submit additional scholarship applications.
Check the financial aid portal for any FAFSA or verification updates.
❏ March:
Review and compare financial aid offers.
Senior Year – Spring (April – June)
❏ April 1: Most schools send admission decisions by now.
❏ April:
Finalize college choice.
Attend admitted student events.
❏ May – June:
Complete housing applications (if not already done).
Register for orientation.
Have Mrs. Justus send your final high school transcript to your college/university
If playing Division I or II sports or NAIA, make sure to have Mrs. Justus upload your transcript to their portals.
Summer Before College (June – August)
❏ June – July:
Take placement tests (if required).
Finalize dorm supplies, roommate arrangements, and meal plans.
❏ July – August:
Attend orientation.
Make tuition/fee payments.
Get immunizations or submit health forms.
Pack for move-in day!
