Preparing for College Timeline for Parents and Students
Looking for a preparing for college timeline? Look no further. With a month-by-month breakdown, this timeline will help you feel at peace!
Preparing for college is a journey that requires organization, insight, and timely action. For students at St. Agnes Academy, the College Counseling Department provides invaluable guidance each step of the way, helping students and parents navigate everything from finalizing college lists to meeting critical deadlines.
So, what goes into a preparing for college timeline? Let’s dive into the details for 12th grade students during senior year as you prepare to start the next phase of your educational career!
Preparing for College Timeline: Month-by-Month Guidance
This timeline will outline key monthly steps, allowing students (and parents) to stay on track, reduce stress, and ensure no critical tasks are missed. Students not enrolled at St. Agnes can still find value in the process we follow.
With the help of the St. Agnes College Counseling Department and this preparation for the college timeline, you can approach this exciting time confidently.
August - September: Setting the Stage
August and September are critical months in the college application process for high school students. The St. Agnes College Counseling Department is ready to support students in taking initial steps.
1. Finalize Your College List: Students create a balanced list that includes reach, target, and probable schools with the help of college counselors. If you started working on a list during freshman year, sophomore year, or junior year, now is the time to start narrowing down the list based on your preferences and what each school offers.
2. Plan for Standardized Testing (SAT or ACT): Counselors help students navigate their testing needs, discussing available test dates and helping them register when needed. By actively engaging with the College Counseling team and utilizing the resources we offer, you can develop a comprehensive and effective standardized testing preparation plan.
3. Meet with Your College Counselor: Meeting with school counselors early in the year is vital. St. Agnes counselors bring their expertise, ensuring students have answers to questions and feel empowered throughout the application process.
4. Finalize Your Résumé: Counselors help students review and refine their résumés, ensuring they capture summer experiences accurately and showcase each student’s unique strengths.
October: Moving Forward with Applications and Financial Aid
October marks the start of more intensive application work, with application deadlines fast approaching. St. Agnes counselors provide continuous support as students move through critical steps, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process.
1. FAFSA Opens: St. Agnes counselors guide families through the financial aid process, helping them complete the FAFSA and other necessary forms.
2. Continue Working on Applications: Counselors remind students of merit-based scholarships tied to their college applications and ensure all deadlines are met.
3. Reach Out to College Reps: The College Counseling Department encourages students to connect with admissions reps, providing tips on how to show interest and prepare questions for virtual and in-person visits.
4. Find Outside Resources: Look for lists such as "College Scholarships for High School Senior Girls in Texas" with scholarships that might apply to you.
November: Early Deadlines and Finalizing Applications
With many early deadlines, the support of the St. Agnes counselors is invaluable in helping students submit applications, essays, and test scores accurately and on time.
1. Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) Deadlines: Counselors review each application, ensuring all materials are complete and students are well-prepared.
2. University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M Deadlines: With multiple deadlines to track, counselors remind students of critical dates for competitive state schools and help them meet each requirement smoothly when applying to college.
December - January: Wrapping Up Early Results and Early Decision Deadlines
Students start receiving Early Decision notifications in December after completing their applications. St. Agnes counselors help students understand their options and support any decisions related to Early Action or Early Decision admissions.
1. Review and Respond to Early Decision Results: If admitted to Early Decision, students can work with their counselors to manage any other applications that need to be withdrawn.
2. Prepare Remaining Applications: With Regular Decision deadlines on the horizon, counselors at St. Agnes provide final reviews and encourage students to stay on top of additional submissions as needed.
February - March: The Waiting Game and Decision Season
During these months, the College Counseling Department provides reassurance and guidance as students await responses.
The college counseling team will help students stay informed, review decisions, and prepare for upcoming steps. Many students even begin preparing for college while still enrolled in high school.
1. Decision Season Begins: Regular decision notifications arrive in March, and counselors help students compare financial aid offers and consider their best options.
April: Decision Month
In April, colleges provide their final decisions, and St. Agnes counselors support students in making their final choices.
1. Decision Guidance and Offer Comparison: Counselors work closely with families to weigh financial aid options, revisit campus choices if needed, and finalize decisions by a set date.
May - June: Wrapping Up High School and Preparing for College
The St. Agnes College Counseling Department helps students feel well-supported as they finalize high school and prepare for the college transition.
1. Notify Colleges of Final Decision: Counselors remind students to inform colleges of their choices and guide them through necessary steps, like registering for orientation and housing.
June - August: Preparing for the College Transition
With the academic year behind, summer is a time to prepare mentally and logistically for college. Orientation information, housing details, and class registration often begin during this time.
Find Support with Your College Planning Timeline
The college application journey can be daunting, but a structured approach will ensure you cover each step in an organized manner. Set time aside each week (separate from usual coursework) to complete tasks related to applications.
Following our monthly guidelines and working closely with the St. Agnes College Counseling Department allows families to approach the process with confidence and clarity.
This preparing for college timeline ensures that students have the support, structure, and resources they need to succeed on this important journey. Talk to a college counselor today to see how helpful their services are at St. Agnes!
