College Application Process
Here are the steps you will need to take — starting in the spring of your junior year — to apply to the college of your choice.
Step 1: Come up with a Game Plan (Spring of 11th grade)
Step 2: Research Colleges (Spring of 11th grade)
Step 3: Visit Colleges (Summer after 11th grade)
Step 4: Take the SAT or ACT (Spring of 11th grade and Fall of 12th grade)
Visit CollegeBoard.org or ACT.org to learn more about these exams.
Step 5: Apply to College (August-January of 12th grade)
Visit the College Board’s Big Future website for tips on preparing your college application.
Step 6: Submit your Financial Aid Forms (October - March of 12th grade)
The most important form is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA. The FAFSA opens every year, October 1st.
Step 7: Submit the Required Follow-Up Documents (January - March of 12th grade)
Step 8: Review Financial Aid Awards (April of 12th grade)
Visit consumerfinance.gov to access a comparision calculator to help compare financial aid packages.
Step 9: Pick a College (April of 12th grade)
Step 10: Say Thank You! (May of 12th grade)