The Admissions Strategist

Case studies Essay guides Academic Success College Application College and Career

Mentor-Student Workflow + Calendar

by The Transizion Team

Hi there! We’re so happy that you’re using our platform for all your college guidance needs.

Use this guide to dictate what you should be working on during a particular time of the year.

  • For example, if you’re a sophomore in February, go to the sophomore section, look at February (and December, January) to find out what you should be working on.
  • Junior in July? Same thing. Scroll down to the section for juniors and find out what you should be working on.

Finally, we’ve underlined the most important things you need to do each month.

It’s that easy. If you have any questions, just ask your mentor! We’re always here to help you!

Important Hard Deadlines For Mentors & Students (Subject to Change Each Year)

Even if the exact dates are off, use them as general checkpoints.

Testing

College Applications

  • Juniors: July 1 – Apply Texas Opens
  • Rising Senors: August 1 – Common App and UC App open
  • Seniors: October 1 – FAFSA and CSS Profile open [financial aid]
  • Seniors: October/November – deadline for most scholarship programs (earlier than the application deadline)
  • Seniors: October 15 – deadline for most Honors Programs, Early Decision (ED) deadline for a few schools (including Georgia Tech, North Carolina – Chapel Hill)
  • Seniors: November 1 or 15 – deadline for Early Action/Decision for most colleges
  • Seniors: November 1 – priority deadline for Apply Texas
  • Seniors: November 30 – deadline for UC App (applications accepted on November 1)
  • Seniors: December 1 – regular deadline Apply Texas 
  • Seniors: December & January – hear back from schools applied to Early Action/Early Decision 
  • Seniors: January 1 or 15 – deadline for Regular Decision (RD) for most colleges
  • Seniors: January – send in deposit if you are accepted ED
  • Seniors: February  – hear back from Apply Texas
  • Seniors: April 1 – hear back from schools applied to RD
  • Seniors: May 1 – Decision Day. Deposits should be sent in.

Ongoing Priorities For Students

  • Keep up your grades! One of the most important admissions factors is your GPA.
  • Colleges do not prefer the ACT over the SAT, or vice-versa. So, take the exam that is most comfortable for you by looking in advance at the content and test date.
  • Plan ahead. You should allow 10-12 weeks of steady preparation for your first SAT/ACT exam, and at least 6-8 weeks of preparation for test retakes. 
    • Note: the SAT and SAT Subject Tests are offered on the same date 6-7 times/year, so you will have to plan to take one exam or the other, not both exams on the same day. You can take more than one SAT Subject test on the same day. 
  • Read, read, and read! Read books you like and not required for school. Not only will it help you with your comprehension for the SAT/ACT, it will help you with how you express yourself in essays, in your interviews, and articulate what you really want out of your college preparation experience. 
    • Read the news online, watch documentaries, listen to TED Talks, read books, listen to podcasts. You should know of current events both in your community and in the world. To give further perspective, a common interview question is: “What’s the last good book you read?”
  • Form relationships with teachers. Stop by after class to ask a question or share something interesting you’ve enjoyed from that day, and participate in activities that would help you get to know your teachers better. 
    • Your teachers (and/or school counselor) will be recommending you for competitive summer programs as well as for writing you letters of recommendations for your college applications.
  • Develop adult skills, learn focus, and build curiosity. Discuss with your mentor any trouble you’re having with your classes and/or the adult skills you want to develop.
    • These skills can range from focus to curiosity to discipline. Your learning process is constant; you and your mentor should talk about the person you want to become and the steps you’re taking to get there. The mentor is your partner; talk to him or her about all this. 

FRESHMAN YEAR

Remember, mentors need to guide/help/facilitate these items for students.

If you’re starting during a month in the middle or end of the year, be sure to address pressing items assigned in the previous months (eg. college list, summer programs, standardized test scheduling, class selection).

September

  • Research what a college is looking for in an applicant. While you may have a general idea about what is expected (great GPA, strong SAT scores), take a greater look at how you are evaluated.
  • Your mentor will guide you through this process. If you would like to explore on your own, pick a college: For example, Tulane. Go through the facts in the Common Data Set of important information such as “Units Required” versus “Units Recommended” in C5 so you can understand exactly why you are spending so many years taking a foreign language, and the “Basis for Selection” in C7. 
  • Watch a video from Admissions and browse their blog. It’s not a secret as to what these colleges are looking for in their applicants (lotto schools aside) and that the admissions officer are very forthcoming with information. Take this year to start following schools you hear about/are interested in on social media—get excited through student takeovers and how your application will one day be processed.
  • Explore different clubs and activities. Become a “yes man.” Raise your hand for activities you have not tried before, whether it be at school, church, in your neighborhood, parent’s job, library, etc.. 
  • Look around and take initiative—you could be the next Greta Thunberg and Logan LaPlante (watch his TEDx Talk!). Your school’s Back-to-School Club Fair is also a great opportunity to find options about what you can participate in.
  • Think like a leader. If you feel confident, assume a leadership position in one of the clubs/activities you are in. Remember that leadership does not mean you have to be “captain,” “president,” “secretary” or “committee chair”—it’s about taking initiative in whatever you feel passionate about, and guiding others in the process.

OCTOBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Get to know your Guidance Counselor. Your counselor will ultimately be writing you a recommendation during your senior year. Start early and develop a relationship with your school counselor. Check in periodically.
  • Plan out classes for your four years in high school. Create a list of which classes you see yourself taking over the four years, making sure you meet both graduation requirements and core requirements for most colleges. Learn what makes you a competitive applicant by working both with your school counselor and mentor. 
  • Take the 16 Personalities test (available for free online). Learn more about yourself and your learning type. 82 Exceptional Schools That Fit Your Personality and Learning Style by Claire Law is an excellent tool to read up on ideal fits for major and college based on your MBTI results.

NOVEMBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Become informed about internships/pre-college programs. This is especially important for students interested in pre-med and business programs: research camps and programs in your area (or out of area) on college campuses. 
  • Contact your Guidance Office about opportunities and internships. Deadlines for pre-college programs are normally from November through March.
  • Interested in studying medicine? Start looking up requisites to BA/BS+MD programs and Early Acceptance Programs. Discuss with your mentor about medically related volunteer activities, employment and community service options related to medicine, as these are some of the most selective tracks to apply to and only for high-achieving students who are committed to the medical field. 

DECEMBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Mentor assigns you college, career, and adult prep-related articles. Read up over your break on articles handpicked for you as it relates to your college and adult preparation process.
  • These articles are generally fun, interesting, and informative (could be on self-improvement, world news, important contemporary issues, interest-related issues, the college admissions process, and more). Ideally, we want you to start making reading these sort of articles a habit. 

JANUARY

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Apply to internships/pre-college programs for summer. Work with your mentor and researcher to create a list. Some programs request formal transcripts and letters of recommendation. Stay on top of what’s needed in your application so you can apply in time!
  • Research which SAT Subject Tests you should take this year, if applicable. Sometimes, you can take a language, bio, chem, or math SAT Subject test early.

FEBRUARY

  • Look at what was due for the previous month.

  • Pick this summer’s activities. Learn the accordion, babysit, start an amazing work-out plan in the gym, coach your little brother’s friends, plan out your leisure reading list or even taking a community college class or class online. The options are endless! It’s important to stay active, and start to identify what really and truly interests you. Making a plan is a great step to ensuring that you’ll follow through.
  • Apply to internships/pre-college programs for summer. Work with your mentor and researcher to create a list. Some programs request formal transcripts and letters of recommendation. Stay on top of what’s needed in your application so you can apply in time!

MARCH

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Visit any college campus. Pick a college within reasonable driving distance, and sign up for an information session and a tour. 
  • Hear directly from an admissions officer what their staff is looking for in your high school career. Take notes in your Feedback Sheet about your likes, dislikes, and questions you’d like to ask your mentor and/or the admissions office directly. 
  • Determine BA/BS+MD College List (if applicable). If you decide to take this track (it’s not for most students), it is important to have a list early on in the process about programs and schools that most interest you so you can stay on top of requisites throughout your high school career. 
  • We recommend that you finalize this list latest by December of your sophomore year, so you can plan accordingly with summer and out-of-school opportunities.
  • Apply to internships/pre-college programs for summer. Work with your mentor and researcher to create a list. Some programs request formal transcripts and letters of recommendation. Stay on top of what’s needed in your application so you can apply in time!
  • Research which SAT Subject Tests you should take this year, if applicable. Sometimes, you can take a language, bio, chem, or math SAT Subject test early.

APRIL

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Pick 5 articles related to college admissions. Ask your mentor for reliable sources as to where you should start reading up about what most interests you. 
  • These articles can be related to anything that you believe helps inform yourself more about a career path, admissions information, view of the world, or are interest-related. Share these articles with your mentor for discussion.

MAY

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Choose classes for 10th Grade. “Rigor” is one of the most important factors when applying to selective colleges and programs. 
  • Rigor means that you are taking the most challenging courses possible and getting the best possible grades. The idea is to challenge yourself, but not overwhelm yourself. 
  • Step up to IB or AP courses if you’re up to it, and don’t choose classes that you feel you cannot make at least a B. Work with your guidance counselor at school to maximize the options available to you for next year.
  • Choose elective(s) that most interest you for 10th Grade. Take a class with rich content that you want to learn more about. Ideally, these classes will be related to your potential college major.

RISING SOPHOMORE SUMMER

Remember, mentors need to guide/help/facilitate these items for students.

If you’re starting during a month in the middle or end of the year, be sure to address pressing items assigned in the previous months (eg. college list, summer programs, standardized test scheduling, class selection).

JUNE

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Stay active. Bus tables, cut grass, watch kids. Take a hip-hop class or basic first aid. Cook dinner for family once a week or start a business with friends. 
  • Even if you are (or are not) participating in an internship or attending a science or leadership camp, don’t worry about impressing colleges, but rather enjoy your experiences over the summer.

JULY

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Prepare for the PSAT 10/PSAT NMSQT. Read up about the National Merit Program, and decide on your score goals. Use Khan Academy and CollegeBoard resources to prepare. Leisure reading will also help!
  • Brainstorm a Capstone. Take charge in your activities. This does not necessarily mean taking a leadership role—such as running for “president”—or starting a new club. 
  • Instead, organize a charity/fundraising drive about what you are most excited about (recycling, food, animals, children, books, musical instruments, etc.). 
  • Think about what you are most interested in and then look for ways to include your community (school friends, neighbors, family, church) in that interest. You might wait until the Back-to-school Club Fair to decide, but it is important that you talk out your ideas and interests. 
  • Ideally, you should be carrying out your Capstone Project over an extended period of time to show continuity in your interests. Talk with your mentor if you have any questions. 

AUGUST

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Write a resume. Write out your activities and experiences so you can see concretely what you have been involved in, for how long, and your description of the activities that have mattered to you most. 
  • It’s “quality over quantity” so reevaluate if you need to further any of these areas of interest or are too spread thin and need to narrow down your activities. Ask your mentor for help. 
  • You will use your resume not only in applying to summer jobs but also in giving your resume to teachers when you ask for letters of recommendation; some colleges also require resumes as part of the student’s application.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Remember, mentors need to guide/help/facilitate these items for students.

If you’re starting during a month in the middle or end of the year, be sure to address pressing items assigned in the previous months (eg. college list, summer programs, standardized test scheduling, class selection).

SEPTEMBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Adjust your schedule. Drop any classes in which you predict you cannot achieve at least a “B.” Schools can be limited in their policies to have you make course changes, so listen to your Guidance Office for deadlines.
  • Implement Capstone. Ask your mentor about beginning a Capstone Project and talk out options. Network with whom you need to to carry out your project. Take note of what works, what you like, what you dislike. Modify as needed. 
  • Explore different clubs and activities. Become a “yes man.” Raise your hand for activities you have not tried before, whether it be at school, church, in your neighborhood, parent’s job, library, etc.. Look around and take initiative—you could be the next Greta Thunberg and Logan LaPlante (watch his TEDx Talk!). Your school’s Back-to-School Club Fair is also a great opportunity to find options about what you can participate in.
  • Research which SAT Subject Tests you should take this year, if applicable. Sometimes, you can take a language, bio, chem, or math SAT Subject test early.

OCTOBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Take the PSAT 10/PSAT NMSQT.
  • Take Interest Assessment Testing. If you are uncertain about what major you would like to study, or would like to define a possible field of study/major of interest before you proceed to narrow down fits for college, YouScience or The STRONG Interest Inventory are excellent resources to use. Answer the questions honestly! 
  • Visit any college campus. Pick a college within reasonable driving distance, and sign up for an information session and a tour. Hear directly from an admissions officer what their staff is looking for in your high school career. Take notes in your Feedback Sheet about your likes, dislikes, and questions you’d like to ask your mentor and/or the admissions office directly. 

NOVEMBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Mentor assigns you college-, career, and adult-prep related articles. These articles are generally fun, interesting, and informative (could be on self-improvement, world news, important contemporary issues, interest-related issues, the college admissions process, and more). Ideally, we want you to start making reading these sort of articles a habit. 
  • Research which SAT Subject Tests you should take this year, if applicable. Sometimes, you can take a language, bio, chem, or math SAT Subject test early.

DECEMBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Finalize BA/BS+MD College List (if applicable). Talk with your mentor about your final choices. Stay focused and committed. Remember, these programs are not for everyone.

JANUARY

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Start to research colleges.Aside from looking directly at college’s websites for information (your number one tool), use Niche (to look at school data), Unigo (compare schools), Cappex (look at school data), CollegeSimply (to look at general school data), and CampusReel (to look at life on campus). 
  • Study admissions blogs from the college as well as YouTube channels from the admissions office, both of which provide credible information. Sign up for mailing lists (that’s called “demonstrated interest”) and follow schools you enjoy on Instagram and Twitter. 
  • Research which SAT Subject Tests you should take this year, if applicable. Sometimes, you can take a language, bio, chem, or math SAT Subject test early.  
  • Apply to internships/pre-college programs for summer. Work with your mentor and researcher to create a list. Some programs request formal transcripts and letters of recommendation. Stay on top of what’s needed in your application so you can apply in time!

FEBRUARY

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Discuss with your parents about your findings/interests in college, and about finances.Make sure you are on the same page in this process of constant change and discovery. Talk with your mentor if you have any questions. 
  • Apply to internships/pre-college programs for summer. Work with your mentor and researcher to create a list. Some programs request formal transcripts and letters of recommendation. Stay on top of what’s needed in your application so you can apply in time!

MARCH

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Pick 5 articles related to college admissions. These articles can be related to anything that you believe helps inform yourself more about a career path, admissions information, view of the world, or are interest-related. 
  • Share these articles with your mentor for discussion. Bonus if you find articles related to the schools/programs you are most interested in.
  • Choose classes for 11th grade. Choose classes for 11th Grade. “Rigor” is one of the most important factors when applying to selective colleges and programs. Rigor means that you are taking the most challenging courses possible and getting the best possible grades. 
  • The idea is to challenge yourself, but not overwhelm yourself. Step up to IB or AP courses if you’re up to it, and don’t choose classes that you feel you cannot make at least a B. Work with your guidance counselor at school to maximize the options available to you for next year.
  • Choose elective(s) that most interest you for 11th Grade. Take a class with rich content that you want to learn more about.
  • Work with your mentor and our research team to form your introductory College List.
  • Apply to internships/pre-college programs for summer. Work with your mentor and researcher to create a list. Some programs request formal transcripts and letters of recommendation. Stay on top of what’s needed in your application so you can apply in time!

APRIL

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Visit any college campus. Pick a college within reasonable driving distance, and sign up for an information session and a tour. Hear directly from an admissions officer what their staff is looking for in your high school career. 
  • Take notes in your Feedback Sheet about your likes, dislikes, and questions you’d like to ask your mentor and/or the admissions office directly. 
  • Check in with your guidance counselor to make sure you’re on track. This is your chance to catch up on what you missed.
  • Take Interest Assessment Testing (if you didn’t take it in the fall). If you are uncertain about what major you would like to study, or would like to define a possible field of study/major of interest before you proceed to narrow down fits for college, YouScience or The STRONG Interest Inventory are excellent resources to use. Answer the questions honestly! 

MAY

  • Look at the previous steps from this year. This is your chance to catch up on what you missed.
  • Research which SAT Subject Tests you should take this year, if applicable.Sometimes, you can take a language, bio, chem, or math SAT Subject test early.

RISING JUNIOR SUMMER

Remember, mentors need to guide/help/facilitate these items for students.

If you’re starting during a month in the middle or end of the year, be sure to address pressing items assigned in the previous months (eg. college list, summer programs, standardized test scheduling, class selection).

JUNE

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Outline your financial aid plan. Use the FAFSA4caster and financial aid calculators found on individual college websites (also known as net price calculators) to determine how much your family will need to contribute for your college education.
  • Decide if you will take the ACT, SAT or both exams. You’ll likely only take one of them (but do retakes so that you can earn the highest score).Try practice problems from both exams and, better yet, a full practice exam of each test to make your decision. 
  • Define which exam dates you will take the ACT and/or SAT. Most students take these exams more than once, so look at your calendar and decide which are the best dates for you. 
  • Your coursework during junior year is also not vital to achieving a top score on the exam: with tools such as Khan Academy, the CollegeBoard 8 Test Book or asking your Math teacher for relevant content, you will still successfully be able to complete these exams.
  • Make a plan to study for the ACT, SAT and/or SAT Subject Tests. The August SAT (US only) and October, November and/or December exam dates are excellent dates for your first standardized exams. You will gain valuable statistical insight as it relates to college profiles, and also complete admissions requirements ahead of time.  
  • The spring options for these exams are also a good alternative, but the October + December combination of test dates allows you to keep up with the material while it is still fresh. (Also, many students tackle APs in May of their junior year and find it hard to juggle their SAT studies at the same time). 
  • KhanAcademy and the College Board 8 Test Book provide plentiful review material; Magoosh SAT is also an effective program. Erika Meltzer has an excellent guide for Reading, and College Panda is good for Writing, Math and the Essay. Chung’s is a great guide for 600+ Math students. Princeton Review and Barron’s are not recommended. The Real ACT is ideal for the ACT. 
  • Begin summer reading. Aside from leisure reading books, 82 Exceptional Schools That Fit Your Personality and Learning Style by Claire Law is an excellent tool to read up on ideal fits for major and college based on your MBTI results.

JULY

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Prepare for the PSAT 10/PSAT NMSQT. Read up about the National Merit Program, and decide on your score goals. Use Khan Academy and CollegeBoard resources to prepare. Leisure reading will also help!
  • Ask your mentor for career/interest assessments. Talk it out with your mentor the right steps for you and at what point should you take these assessments: do you need more input about ideal majors, programs, work/study habits, and professional interests? 
  • Think about your career. Talk out with your mentor about where you see yourself in 5 years and in 10 years. What professional environment do you imagine yourself in? Do you need more exposure to professional opportunities to make a decision? 
  • Resume clean-up. Add new content and always have a copy ready to pass out. Decide if you need to dive deeper in your current interests by taking an academic class outside of school or narrowing down your extracurriculars as you get ready for junior year. 

AUGUST

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Take August SAT or SAT Subject Tests (if needed).
  • Research which SAT Subject Tests you should take this year, if applicable. Sometimes, you can take a language, bio, chem, or math SAT Subject test early.

JUNIOR YEAR

Remember, mentors need to guide/help/facilitate these items for students.

If you’re starting during a month in the middle or end of the year, be sure to address pressing items assigned in the previous months (eg. college list, summer programs, standardized test scheduling, class selection).

SEPTEMBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Adjust your schedule. Drop any classes in which you predict you cannot achieve at least a “B.” Schools can be limited in their policies to have you make course changes, so listen to your Guidance Office for deadlines.
  • Take the September ACT (if needed).
  • Attend college visits and college fairs. Check with your Guidance Office about when admissions representatives from colleges are visiting your school. 
  • Research which SAT Subject Tests you should take this year, if applicable. Sometimes, you can take a language, bio, chem, or math SAT Subject test early.

OCTOBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Take PSAT 10/PSAT NMSQT.
  • Take October SAT, SAT Subject Tests and/or ACT (if needed).
  • Identify potential teachers for letters of recommendation. Cultivate these relationships during the year, filling in either present or former teachers for your core coursework (math, science, history, English, or world languages) about your plans for college. Go above and beyond to show your interest in the material. 
  • Visit any college campus. Pick a college within reasonable driving distance, and sign up for an information session and a tour. Hear directly from an admissions officer what their staff is looking for in your high school career. 
  • Take notes in your Feedback Sheet about your likes, dislikes, and questions you’d like to ask your mentor and/or the admissions office directly. 
  • Check in with your school guidance counselor to make sure you’re on track.
  • Take interest assessment testing. If you are uncertain about what major you would like to study, or would like to define a possible field of study/major of interest before you proceed to narrow down fits for college, YouScience or The STRONG Interest Inventory are excellent resources to use. Answer the questions honestly! 

NOVEMBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Take November SAT or SAT Subject Tests (if needed). 
  • Develop a strong College List. Work with your mentor and researcher to further develop your College List. Take the fall of your junior year to identify colleges and universities as well as majors and programs that are a good fit for you. This is an ongoing process and will take time. 
  • Try to identify at least 10-15 possibilities of schools that you absolutely love, and divide schools into reach, high target, target, low target, and safety based on your profile. You mentor can help you gauge your admissions chances. 

DECEMBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Plan out dates for when you will take SAT Subject Tests. Even if a college does not require these exams or “strongly recommends” these exams, these test scores can highlight a your strength and interest in a particular area. Your goal is a 600+.  Try Subject Test Practice Questions if you are sure about the content; then, make plans accordingly.
  • Take December SAT or SAT Subject Tests.
  • Take December ACT.

JANUARY

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Take the February SAT/ACT (if needed).
  • Call admissions officers at colleges you are interested in. Colleges love to hear from you directly! Find out if they will be coming to your high school or at a fair in your area, or if you can meet with alumni during the spring of your junior year and fall of your senior year to learn more. 
  • Some colleges even offer “fly-in” programs to cover the cost of travel for students with financial need. 
  • Plan out visits to college you are interested in. We strongly recommend that you visit schools from September through May (not over the summer), and ideally before spring semester is over during your junior year. 
  • Plan to visit no more than two schools a day. Ask to sit in on a class or even plan to sleep overnight! Most importantly, take notes about what appeals to you. These details can be worked into your college essays and interviews.
  • Research which SAT Subject Tests you should take this year, if applicable. Sometimes, you can take a language, bio, chem, or math SAT Subject test early.
  • Apply to internships/pre-college programs for summer. Work with your mentor and researcher to create a list. Some programs request formal transcripts and letters of recommendation. Stay on top of what’s needed in your application so you can apply in time!

FEBRUARY

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Take the February SAT/ACT (if needed).
  • Research which SAT Subject Tests you should take this year. Sometimes, you can take a language, bio, chem, or math SAT Subject test early.
  • Apply to internships/pre-college programs for summer. Work with your mentor and researcher to create a list. Some programs request formal transcripts and letters of recommendation. Stay on top of what’s needed in your application so you can apply in time!

MARCH

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Take March SAT/ACT (if needed).
  • Write your UP App, Apply Texas, and/or Common App Essay. Look up YouTube videos sponsored by the college, and Admissions Blogs for inspiration. Write an excellent first draft, and return to it later this summer for editing. 
  • Check in with your school guidance counselor to make sure you’re on track.
  • Apply to internships/pre-college programs for summer. Work with your mentor and researcher to create a list. Some programs request formal transcripts and letters of recommendation. Stay on top of what’s needed in your application so you can apply in time!

APRIL

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Take the April SAT/ACT (if needed).
  • Visit colleges you are interested in. Sign up for a campus tour, an information session, and review the admissions webpage to see about the possibility of interviewing while on campus. Write down what you have heard on tour and in the information session that resonated with you. 
  • These details can be easily worked into your essay. If you interview while on campus or stop by admissions, make sure you send a thank you note.
  • Revise your College List. Work with your mentor and researcher. Adapt your college list to the best academic, social, and financial fits – what your needs are. Come up with strong choices that you really love, not ones you are settling for.  
  • Research which SAT Subject Tests you should take this year, if applicable. Sometimes, you can take a language, bio, chem, or math SAT Subject test early.
  • Check in with your school guidance counselor to make sure you’re on track.
  • Take interest assessment testing (if you didn’t take it in the fall). If you are uncertain about what major you would like to study, or would like to define a possible field of study/major of interest before you proceed to narrow down fits for college, YouScience or The STRONG Interest Inventory are excellent resources to use. Answer the questions honestly! 

MAY

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Take May SAT or SAT Subject Tests (if needed). We recommend taking the SAT Subject Tests during this time period since it overlaps with much of the content you review in school.
  • Take AP exams (as needed). Earn an opportunity for college credit. 
  • Choose classes for 12th Grade. “Rigor” is one of the most important factors when applying to selective colleges and programs. 
  • Rigor means that you are taking the most challenging courses possible and getting the best possible grades. The idea is to challenge yourself, but not overwhelm yourself. 
  • Step up to IB or AP courses if you’re up to it, and don’t choose classes that you feel you cannot make at least a B. Work with your guidance counselor at school to maximize the options available to you for next year.
  • Choose elective(s) that most interest you for 12th Grade. Take a class with rich content that you want to learn more about.
  • Ask for letters of recommendation. Make an appointment with at least three teachers. Bring a copy of your resume, and prepare bullet points about why you chose this teacher as your recommender, why you excelled academically in his/her, and what you would like him/her to specifically include in the letter. Discuss when your teacher will have the letter ready, and invite him/her to your application. 

RISING SENIOR SUMMER

Remember, mentors need to guide/help/facilitate these items for students.

If you’re starting during a month in the middle or end of the year, be sure to address pressing items assigned in the previous months (eg. college list, summer programs, standardized test scheduling, class selection).

JUNE

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Finalize College List. Work with your mentor and researcher. There are many details and decisions to face in the application for each school. It is important that you take latest the summer of your junior year to feel strongly about all of the colleges you plan on applying to. 
  • A list typically has 8-15 schools. Talk with your mentor about this very important step. 
  • Take the June ACT (if needed).
  • Take June SAT or SAT Subject Tests (if needed). This should ideally be the last date that you take standardized exams for your application, although the August SAT option is still valid. We recommend taking the SAT Subject Tests during this time period since it overlaps with much of the content you review in school.
  • Write out deadlines for the schools you want to apply to. Most deadlines are between October and November for early applications, scholarships, and special programs; regular deadlines are normally in January, although some colleges accept applications until March 1. Make sure you know when supplemental work such as for portfolios, auditions, and scholarships are due.  
  • Decide if you want to apply Early Action or Early Decision vs Regular Decision. Feel free to ask your mentors for advice on this topic. Early Decision to colleges means it is a binding decision, and if you are accepted early, you must withdraw your application to any other schools. 
  • Talk with your mentor if Early Decision is right for you. It is intended for students who are committed and serious to their admission to a school, not as part of an admissions strategy. 
  • Early Action is recommended to have an advantage of finding out if you are admitted to a school earlier in the year (typically around December – January), as long as your application requirements are complete. 
  • Revise UP App, Apply Texas and/or Common App Essay. Make sure what you are writing still aligns with your interests, reflects your unique voice, and is the best possible message of yourself you can express.
  • Look up & begin writing supplemental essays. Some schools have additional questions, some of which are required, and you might find questions overlap from school to school. However, don’t copy and paste your responses from school to school. Do your research and make a college feel loved by explaining how you are the best fit. Above all, stay organized. 
  • Take Interest Assessment Testing (if you haven’t taken it at all and don’t know what major you want to study). If you are uncertain about what major you would like to study, or would like to define a possible field of study/major of interest before you proceed to narrow down fits for college, YouScience or The STRONG Interest Inventory are excellent resources to use. Answer the questions honestly! 

JULY

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Take the July ACT (if needed).
  • Finalize college list.
  • Finalize Activities List for Common App and/or UC App. Write out the information in a Google doc so it is ready to be copied and pasted directly into the application once it goes live. 
  • Finish portfolio (if needed). If you are interested in visual art, music, dance, theater, architecture, and creative writing, some colleges/programs will require or suggest a portfolio. If you do not have enough material, make a plan with your mentor to finish the remaining material requested ahead of deadlines. 
  • Schedule interviews. Coordinate all interviews held on-campus, with alumni or via Skype for the fall. For schools with interviews that are listed as “optional,” take advantage of this unique opportunity. 
  • Start recording ZeeMee videos. Get creative! Say what you want us to know in your college application.
  • Check BS/MD program application request and due dates. Request application if needed.

AUGUST

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Schedule audition dates (if needed). Look ahead at the available dates and what’s required. Some auditions for dance and theater begin as early as October, so be prepared. 
  • Take August SAT or SAT Subject Tests (if needed & U.S. only). 
  • Revise UP App and/or Common App Essay.
  • Start/Revise supplemental essays. Supplemental essays are usually made official by mid/end-August.
  • [Beginning August 1]. Begin the Common App. This application is released on August 1, so upload as much information as you have ready before school begins. If your school uses Naviance, it is important that you waive your FERPA rights so your counselor and teachers can upload letters of recommendation. If you are working with an advisor, invite him/her to your application so he/she can preview it.
  • [Beginning August 1] UC App goes live. You will need your transcript, test scores, and parents’ annual income for last year and the current year. 
  • Practice mock interviews. Review commonly asked questions and research important details relevant to the school and program you are interested in.
  • Check BS/MD program application request and due dates. Request application if needed.

SENIOR YEAR

Remember, mentors need to guide/help/facilitate these items for students.

If you’re starting during a month in the middle or end of the year, be sure to address pressing items assigned in the previous months (eg. college list, summer programs, standardized test scheduling, class selection).

SEPTEMBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Keep up your grades. Change out of any classes that you do not think you can achieve at least a “B” for an easier class. Colleges request a Mid Year Report as well as a Final Report as part of a student’s application, even after applications are submitted.
  • Take the September ACT (if needed).
  • Research which SAT Subject Tests you should take this year, if applicable. This is practically your last call to take the SAT Subject tests.
  • Attend college visits. Find out in your Career Center when admissions reps will be visiting your high school or area. Plan in advance if you need to skip a class so you can take advantage of the opportunity to network, ask questions, and get excited.
  • Request transcript. Listen up for important announcements at school, and talk to your high school counselor about the preferred method for requesting transcripts. Don’t be delayed with your application because you are still waiting for your transcript to be uploaded. 
  • Visit colleges (as needed). Sign up for a campus tour, an information session, and review the admissions webpage to see about interviewing while on campus. Write down what you have heard on tour and in the information session that resonated with you. These details can be easily worked into your essay. If you interview while on campus or stop by admissions, make sure you send a thank you note.
  • Follow up with Teacher Recommendations. You might become uneasy as deadlines approach and teachers still have not uploaded their letters of recommendation. Schedule an appointment with your teachers and update them about your summer, giving them your updated resume. Share with them your excitement for college and any new plans that you have. 
  • Drop extracurriculars that you do not enjoy. Do not start or add any extracurriculars just for application sake—it’s too late for that. Instead, keep up with what you most enjoy doing.
  • Finalize ZeeMee videos. Record at least 10 videos to different prompts.
  • Keep up contact with Admissions Officers. Email admissions representatives to find out when they are coming to your school. Also, ask them any questions you have about the application process.
  • Begin interviews. Stay confident, remember your practice interviews, and explain why you are a good fit for the school and/or program you have in mind. 
  • Send official SAT/ACT scores. Some colleges want you to self-report your scores, and will later ask for verification. Other colleges want official score reports from either the College Board or ACT to be sent in. Plan in advance so these scores are sent and received on time. 
  • Finish portfolio (if needed). Most students submit this material through SlideRoom. See if your program/school of choice specifies any additional information needed. Beware of deadlines! 
  • Finalize UP App, Apply Texas and/or Common App Essay.
  • Finalize supplemental essays. Finish your essays ahead of deadlines.
  • Check in with your school guidance counselor to make sure you’re on track.
  • Check BS/MD program application request and due dates. Request application if needed.

OCTOBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Follow up with Teacher Recommendations (as needed).
  • Take the October ACT, October SAT or SAT Subject Tests (if needed). This is the last month we recommend to fulfill your standardized exam requirement, although some schools will consider November and/or December scores. Please consult with your prospective college’s admissions requirements. 
  • [October 1] CSS Profile becomes available. To qualify for state and institutional aid, some schools want this application.
  • Submit scholarship, Honors Program, and Early Applications.Colleges vary by deadline, but most applications are due between October and November. Make sure all requirements (official test scores are sent in as needed, and transcript, counselor report, and letters of recommendation) are uploaded.

NOVEMBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Follow up with Teacher Recommendations (as needed).
  • Take November SAT or SAT Subject Tests (as needed). Note: not all colleges will accept these scores, especially if you are applying Early Action or Early Decision, so check out their policies on the Undergraduate Admissions Pages for the schools your are interested in, or write the representative for your region directly if you are not sure.
  • [November 30] UC App closes.

DECEMBER

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Take December SAT or SAT Subject Tests (as needed).
  • Take December ACT (as needed). 
  • Begin to hear back from schools applied to Early Decision & Early Action. Most admissions decisions are mailed out before Christmas through early January.
  • Submit Mid Year Report. You should submit Mid Year Reports as soon as first semester/trimester grades are available. The Common App school forms system does not send reminders about these forms. It is your responsibility to keep track of this requirement and ensure that the counselor is aware of it.

JANUARY

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • [January 1 or 15] Submit Regular Decision Applications. Most applications are on one of these dates. Make sure all requirements are sent in ahead of time, and celebrate after you hit “submit” on your applications. 
  • Submit deposit for Early Decision Acceptance (as needed). If you got into a college through Early Decision, most universities ask for a deposit to be given as soon as possible. Pay attention to your school’s deadlines to ensure your spot. 

FEBRUARY

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Check your email. Pay attention to any extra information that is requested. 

MARCH

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Update FAFSA/CSS Profile (as needed). Revise your financial aid applications with data from your most recent year tax returns if this information was estimated on your initial FAFSA / CSS PROFILE.
  • If requested, send tax verification information. Send copies of your parents’ tax transcripts about your family’s financial information. 
  • Submit a letter of continued interest (if needed).

APRIL

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • Receive admissions decisions. Most Regular Decision applicants will receive a accept/reject/wait-list response in either March or April.
  • Compare financial aid offers. Some colleges will send you a Financial Aid Award letter together with your Acceptance; other times, it will come separately. 
  • Appeal your financial aid award (as needed). Speak with an officer from the Financial Aid Office at the school of your choice if your circumstances have changed or an offer does not meet your financial need. 
  • Submit a letter of continued interest (if needed).

MAY

  • Look at what was due for previous month.
  • [May 1] Submit your enrollment deposit. Most deadlines for Regular Decision applications in May 1. By submitting your deposit, you are locking in your place for admission. This is also known as Decision Day!
  • Submit Final Year Report for the Common Application. Your School Counselor should send this report once you have been admitted to college and you have received your last semester or trimester grades. 
  • Take AP exams (as needed). Earn an opportunity for college credit. 
  • Submit a letter of continued interest (if needed).