College Planning Checklist

(Courtesy of Seattle University, Office of Undergraduate Admissions)

Freshman Year

  • Take study skills improvement courses to show you how to study and manage your time in high school and in college.

  • Attend all classes and maintain high grades. Stay on track.

Sophomore Year

  • Fall

    • Make certain you're taking academically rigorous courses.

    • Make a list of your interests and career goals.

    • Read about majors and careers you are interested in pursuing.

  • Spring

    • Meet with your high school counselor to discuss your college plans.

    • Plan to take rigorous academics in your junior year.

    • Find out more about college costs and financial aid.

    • FInd and apply for volunteer, summer internships, or part-time opportunities.

  • Summer

    • Keep a calendar of important deadlines and dates of the next two years.

    • Participate in volunteer, summer internships, or part-time opportunities.

    • Start searching for colleges/universities.

    • Visit colleges or browse their websites for more information.

Junior Year

  • Fall

    • Register for the October PSAT or ACT PLAN.

    • Request information from colleges and/or universities.

    • Visit the NACAC Fair in Seattle.

  • Winter

    • Check dates for the SAT or ACT tests.

  • Spring

    • Meet with your high school counselor to plan for senior year.

    • Continue taking rigorous academics next year.

    • Register for the SAT or ACT in May or June.

  • Summer

    • Participate in volunteer, summer internships, or part-time opportunities.

    • Visit colleges or browse their websites for more information.

    • Research scholarship opportunities.

Senior Year

  • Fall

    • Sign up and register to take the SAT or ACT.

    • Attend the Preview Day events at colleges and universities.

    • Request recommendations from teachers and counselors.

    • Prepare your admission applications.

    • Visit the NACAC Fair in Seattle.

    • Do not succumb to Senioritis.

  • Winter

    • Submit admission applications.

    • Submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA).

  • Spring

    • Visit colleges and universities for the Admitted Student Open House events.

    • Respond to colleges/universities about your admission by May 1.

  • Summer

    • Enjoy a safe summer before you start freshman year.

    • Attend summer orientation.