Timeline of College Counseling Process
JUNIOR YEAR
Spring:
Summer:
SENIOR YEAR
August/September
October:
November:
December:
January/February:
March/April:
May/June:
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