Counseling & Wellness Center
College Planning Timeline
Although graduation
may seem a long way off at the present time, there are a number of steps
that should be taken throughout a student's high school years to insure
that he/she will be able to pursue the goal of college admission
successfully. The following timetable is provided for you in an effort
to make sure that Mepham students are fully prepared to meet the
challenge. Applications and information for the tests described below
are available in the Counseling Center (Room 117).
| Year |
What To Do |
Timeline |
| Freshman Year |
Join and get involved in clubs/activities to start building your activity resume
Introduction to Naviance Program – Learning Styles Inventory (with school counselor)
Plan out sophomore courses with school counselor
Take SAT 2/ Subject Tests in specific content areas (optional) – Registration at www.collegeboard.org
|
September
November
January
May/June
|
| Sophomore Year |
Students in accelerated courses – Take PSAT as a practice (optional, speak with counselor)
Plan out junior year courses with school counselor
Naviance Program Exploration – Career Interest Inventory (with school counselor)
|
October
January
Jan/Feb
|
| Junior Year |
Attend District College and Trade School Fair & Financial Aid Night and Regional College Fairs
Take PSAT - registration online though Mepham HS
Attend Junior Planning Night with family
Meet with School Counselor for individual Junior College Conference
Take SAT/ACT exams (www.collegeboard.org, www.actstudent.org)
Attend District College and Career Planning Night
Submit activity sheets and parent/student questionnaires to school counselor
Ask teachers for letters of recommendations and provide them with activity sheet and pink questionnaire
Work on college essay
Continue research and visit college campuses
Narrow down a list of prospective schools
|
Fall
Sept/Oct
January
Feb - May
March
May/June
Summer
|
| Senior Year |
Review transcript for finalization
Meet with school counselor to go over college list and application deadlines (**college application deadlines vary so check with specific schools for exact deadlines and speak with counselor about admissions options such as ED/EA)
Confirm with teachers writing your letters of recommendation
Take SAT / ACT tests (www.collegeboard.org, www.actstudent.org)
Attend College Visits & Open Houses to speak with college representatives
Prepare college applications (Transcript Request Forms are due to the Counseling Center two weeks prior to application deadlines)
Finalize college essay – share with an English teacher for proofreading
Fill out FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) starting October 1st
Finalize college choices and submit applications!
Send SAT/ACT scores directly from testing agencies to colleges
Check Scholarship Bulletin for available scholarships in the counseling office and research others you may wish to apply for (ongoing)
AVOID SENIORITIS
Mid-Year Grades sent automatically to all schools from Counseling Office
Receive decisions and financial aid packets from colleges
COLLEGE DECISION DAY – put deposit down on attending college by May 1st
Report college decisions, attending school and scholarship information to Counseling Center
Final high school transcripts sent to your attending college
Send college transcripts directly from each institution you have received credit from through dual-enrollment courses (college sponsored courses)
|
September
October
November
January
March
April
July
|