Timeline of College Counseling Process

​JUNIOR YEAR

Spring:

• Choose challenging courses for senior year
• Make a list of potential colleges
• Call colleges to request to be put on their mailing list
• Take the SATs / ACT
• Complete the "Student Activities Resume"
• Request academic letters of recommendation
• Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse if you plan to participate in collegiate athletics
• Consider summer programs at various colleges in subject areas that interest you. 

Summer:

• Schedule tours/interviews at prospective colleges
• Register for the SATs / ACT if you plan to take them in the early fall
• Begin scholarship search

SENIOR YEAR

August/September

• Meet with College Adviser to ensure decisions
• Start preparing applications; review the requirements, qualifications and deadlines for acceptance at the college of student's choice. 
• Begin to work on essay for college applications
• Get recommendation letters from teachers
• Visit college representatives that come to Shanahan at the Lunch Visits​
• Check registration dates for the fall SAT / ACT
• Attend BSHS College Fair​

​October:

• Take the SATs / ACT again
• Check to see if college of choice requires SAT II tests
• Continue to complete college applications. Check dates if applying Early Decision.
• Submit transcript requests to the Guidance Department

November:

• ​Ensure deadlines are being met with college applications, especially for those apply Early Decision
• If college needs 1st quarter grades, requests submitted to the Guidance Department
• Good grades check-in
• Search for scholarship opportunities both on the web and in the Guidance Department resource books

​December:

• College applications complete
• Transcripts requested before Christmas break
• Good grades check-in as students prepare for mid-terms

January/February:

• Parents complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Continue to explore scholarship opportunities

March/April:

• Make final visits to prospective colleges
• Financial packages from the colleges received
• Ensure the policy on depositing/confirming enrollment with college of choice

May/June:

• May 1st is the deadline for enrolling in college of choice
• Request final transcript to be sent to college