You're halfway through your junior year and starting to realize that you've got a lot to get done and a short time to do it. Don't worry.
This super succinct little checklist will get you to your goal . . . .
College Admissions!
October 11th Grade - Take Final PSAT NMS
Use your baseline from 10th to decide if you should retake PSAT
Prep hard, but only if you have a realistic shot at National Merit Scholar
Otherwise, relax and use PSAT as a way to prep for the SAT
Start doing online college research and visit colleges till next summer.
Fall of 11th Grade - Start Planning
Meet with a College Planner
Take Aptitude Test to find a Major
Research Colleges
Take your first SAT or ACT (it's just a baseline)
Jan.-Mar. of 11th - Take 1st real SAT or ACT
Pick just one test, not both
You should use your baseline to decide which one
Sign up for the next test then start prepping
Prep at least 4 weeks before your test day
Go take the test and wait for the results
April of 11th - Get A Testing Strategy
Email info@kathelee.com or book a TEST ANALYSIS.
We will analyze the results of both your SAT & ACT.
We will tell you which one can be increased the most easily
We will tell you exactly how to target your prep for that one test.
Then you will retake that one test in August or September.
Spring 11th Grade - College Visits
Use your online college research to pick your top 20-30 universities
Do virtual visits through each college's website
Narrow down your list to no more than 12.
Contact colleges to arrange for formal visits
Visit each college on your list before summer
June of 11th - Start Your College Essay
Write your master essay based on Prompt A of ApplyTexas
Trust me, it will work for any college app with just a few tweaks.
Get it edited, but don't use AI unless you like to take chances!
July of 11th - Start Your Resume & References
Start asking for Letters of Recommendations (LORs)
Email 2 or more teachers to write a referral. These will be due 10/1.
Email 3 or more mentors to write a referral. These will be due 10/1.
Download our Resume Template and start your resume.
August of 12th - Start Your App!
CommonApp is now open, start an account and fill in the basics
Schedule an Oral Aptitude test by Zoom to pick the perfect major.
We will also narrow down with colleges to app to.
Aug/Sept of 12th - Take final SAT or ACT
August is last chance to take SAT for most schools
September is last chance for ACT for most schools
Make sure to do serious prep for this test.
This is where you should consider a pro!
October of 12th - Finish Your App!
If you just want to get in, then submit before the final deadline
If you want to get money, submit all apps by 11/1 for "Priority Admissions"
That includes essays, resume, references, and tests scores.
Make sure to get your app optimized before you submit.
If you need a last ditch SAT, take it in October.
If you need a last ditch ACT, take it in October.
November 1 - Everything is Due!
Submit your COMMONAPP for each college.
Include at least 2 Letters of Recommendations
Include high school Transcript
Include a Resume in PDF form
Include all Essays fully edited
Include an dual credit Transcripts
Include any optional Scholarship Apps
THEN WHAT?
Watch for emails from each college.
They will arrive within 3 days.
If you don't get one, you need to double check your app.
Then do the tasks outlined in each college's portal.
And now is the time to start all scholarship applications!
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