For another version of this timeline with separate checklists for parents and students, see the Parent and Student College Checklist resource.
August/September:
Transcript check
Register for/retake ACT or SAT
Finalize college list
Complete or update your brag sheet for your letters of recommendation
Write college essays
Begin college applications
Estimate your EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
Complete scholarship applications
Visit colleges
California Only: UC/CSU eligibility check
October:
Request letters of recommendation
Early Action/Early Decision applications
Continue to work on college applications
Revise college essays
Retake ACT or SAT
Complete scholarship applications
Attend Cash for College Night at your school with parents/ guardians
Submit the FAFSA, WASFA, or CA Dream Act Applications
Attend college preview days
Visit colleges
November:
Apply Early Action/Early Decision
Attend Application Night at your school
Complete scholarship applications
Washington Only: Submit UW applications due 11/15
California Only: Submit CSU & UC applications due 11/30
California Only: Submit EOP applications
December:
Apply Early Action/Early Decision
Ensure test scores are sent to colleges
Finalize your Common App Essay(s)
End semester with strong grades-- they will be sent to colleges!
Complete scholarship applications
Make a plan for college and scholarship applications over Winter Break
January:
Submit private college applications
Complete scholarship applications
Request Mid-Year Reports
Check your email (including spam folder) regularly for correspondence from colleges
Visit colleges
Washington Only: Submit UWB, UWT applications due 1/15
Washington Only: Submit WWU, WSU applications due 1/31
February:
Submit private college applications
Complete scholarship applications
Submit the CSS/Profile Application (if required by schools)
Check your email (including spam folder) regularly for correspondence from colleges
Visit colleges
Washington Only: Submit CWU, EWU, Evergreen applications due 2/1
California Only: Create a Webgrants 4 Students account
March:
Complete scholarship applications
Submit any FAFSA changes/corrections
Sign up for AP exams
Check your email (including spam folder) regularly for correspondence from colleges
Visit colleges
California Only: Sign up for EPT/ELM testing
April:
Compare financial aid award letters
Meet with your mentor about your college decision
Check your email (including spam folder) regularly for correspondence from colleges
Submit Statement of Intent to Register
May:
Statement of Intent to Register deadline: May 1
Enter all application outcomes and college of attendance in Overgrad
AP tests
Check your email (including spam folder) regularly for correspondence from your college of attendance
Send all requested documents to your college of attendance
June:
Check your email (including spam folder) regularly for correspondence from your college of attendance
Send all requested documents to your college of attendance