College planning can feel overwhelming, and it can be tough to figure out when, where, and how to begin.
Some aspects of college planning, like financial considerations, are most successful if started early. Other aspects of college planning, like completing college applications, happen senior year.
Before High School:
Financial considerations in college planning are very important, and preparing earlier is better.
While most aspects of the college planning timeline are only relevant to high school students, financial planning for college is important at every age.
Parents often say their biggest regret in college planning is that they didn't start planning how to pay for college early enough. To avoid that pitfall, consider these steps:
Talk to a financial advisor about setting up a 529 college savings plan or similar financial planning tool. Keep in mind that some states have special college savings programs.
Know your financing options if you think borrowing money for college may be necessary. Learn about subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans, ParentPlus loans, and private loans.
Learn about merit aid (college-based scholarships) and need-based aid (grants, work study, etc. based on financial need).
Families may want to consider including their students in discussions about paying for college so that they can be part of the planning process and make wise college-related decisions.
8th Grade:
Academic Planning
In the spring of 8th grade, many students will begin planning high school courses. Creating a four-year course plan is an important part of the college planning timeline. A four-year plan can help students ensure that they take necessary courses at the appropriate level, and incorporate plans for meaningful elective courses.
Note that some students will have entrance exams (private high schools) or placement exams to determine 9th grade course levels.
9th and 10th Grade:
Academic Planning
As stated above in the 8th grade section, creating a four-year course plan is an important part of any college planning timeline.
During 9th and 10th grade, the four-year plan should be re-evaluated and can be adjusted if a student feels confident about adding more honors, AP, IB or dual credit courses.
Conversely, if a student feels academically overwhelmed, it's important to consider taking courses at a more appropriate level of rigor.
Extracurricular Planning
High school is a wonderful time to explore interests, try new activities, and discover ways to enrich experiences and contribute to the world. 9th/10th grade is when students typically experience some trial and error as they find activities that are meaningful and fun.
As students find activities they enjoy, it's helpful to consider ways to grow and develop in those activities, finding unique ways to contribute, lead, or improve skills and knowledge.
Special Considerations
Students who may want athletics or fine arts to be part of their college experience will have an extra step in their college planning timeline.
Athletes should learn the steps involved in the athletic recruitment process and begin following them early in their high school career.
Visual artists, actors, singers, designers, etc. will want to begin working on their portfolios.
Informal College Tours
At this stage, students may not yet be focused on choosing a college. Official college tours don't necessarily need to be part of this stage of the college planning timeline.
Students can start gaining some familiarity with colleges though. Taking a drive through a nearby college campus and discussing initial likes/dislikes can be very informative. Some families drive through college campuses while on vacation as well, just to give students an initial look at different types of colleges.
11th Grade:
By junior year, students should be incorporating all of the steps above, as well as more focused college planning activities.
ACT/SAT Testing
Students typically take the ACT/SAT in junior year, but some students begin studying as early as the summer before junior year. Don't worry though, students have until early fall of senior year to test/have scores available for Early Action and Early Decision college deadlines.
Both ACT and SAT offer exams multiple times throughout the year, so the appropriate ACT/SAT timeline varies by student. For your student's test prep portion of the college planning timeline, consider choosing a window of time when your student is motivated and has the bandwidth to prepare.
Exploring Majors & Careers
By junior year, some students have a general or specific idea about their intended major(s). Discussing and researching potential majors is an important part of the college planning timeline.
Note that students can always apply to college as "Undeclared" if they need more time to explore their options.
College Search & Selection
College application season opens Aug 1st before senior year, so college search and selection is an important part of the college planning timeline in junior year. Ideally, students have a balanced list of Reach, Target, and Likely schools on their list by Aug 1st, but that list may adjust in the months that follow.
When researching schools, it's helpful to focus on academic fit, social fit, geographic fit, and financial fit.
Junior year is a great time for official college tours, and tours are an important part of the college planning timeline. Most families can't visit every school of interest in person, so many schools have informative virtual tour opportunities. You can sign up for virtual or in-person tours on each college's website. For in-person tours, see my post on College Tour Tips.
Recommendation Letters
Colleges prefer recommendation letters from junior year teachers of core academic subjects. Some schools don't require recommendation letters, but many request one or two letters from teachers.
It's wise to make recommendation letter requests a part of the college planning timeline in spring of junior year. This gives your teachers the opportunity to observe academic progress and interactions in class, and to be more prepared when they write letters in the summer or fall of senior year. Note that many high schools have specific procedures related to recommendation letters, so be sure to learn those details. For more information, read my post Recommendation Letters for College Admission.
Scholarships
Applying for scholarships may be part of some students' college planning timelines. Many local, national, and topic-specific scholarships are open to juniors, and even more will be open to seniors. Some can also be found for younger students.
Note that most scholarship money comes from colleges that provide generous merit aid, but outside scholarships can also ease the financial burden of college.
12th Grade
Senior year is a flurry of college planning activity. Along with all of the steps above, the steps below should be part of every senior's college planning timeline:
Finalize a college list
As mentioned above, the college list should have a balanced mix of Reach, Target, and Likely schools that are a good fit academically, socially, geographically, and financially.
It's also important for the college list to be of appropriate length.
Follow up on recommendation letters
Students should check in with their recommenders, provide any requested information, and remember to express appreciation.
Complete college applications
College admissions is full of uncertainty, so students today tend to apply to more colleges than students did in prior years. The college application process requires a lot of work, so pacing is an important part of the college planning timeline.
It's helpful to break down the college application process into manageable chunks. For example, the main personal statement of the Common App (a centralized application for many colleges) can be completed in early summer, as can the non-college-specific portions of the Common App Platform.
The college-specific portions can be completed once the Common App refreshes on Aug 1st. This includes college-specific questions and supplemental essays.
Make note of the college application deadline chosen for each school and pace the application work accordingly.
Pay Attention to College Planning Information from the High School
High school counselors play an integral role in the college application process. Parents and students should read provided information and follow directions, attend college planning meeting and events, and ask questions along the way.
Complete Financial Forms
FAFSA and CSS are financial forms that are recommended by some colleges and required by others. There are portions that students complete and portions that parents complete.
Sign Up/Prepare For Interviews
Some colleges will offer interview opportunities. Sometimes interviews are required for special programs, and sometimes schools offer optional general interviews. Sometimes general interviews impact admissions, but most do not.
Keep Up with College Portals
After applications are sent, colleges will send students information about logging into their college portal. It is very important for students to check their portals regularly for updates on missing information, admission status, etc.
Choose a College
Pay special attention to deposits, roommate selection, housing timelines, orientation, etc.
Prepare for Graduation
Senior year involves a lot of work and is the busiest part of the college planning timeline. Senior year is also full of great memories, fun events, and the celebration of graduation. Enjoy the experience!
At Growing2College, we assist students and families with every aspect of the high school and college planning process. Request a free 20-min consultation to learn more about how we can be helpful.
Kate Pedigo, M.Ed. NCC is an Independent Educational Consultant and founder of Growing2College. Join us on social media for college planning updates, tips, and resources: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn
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