College Path Checklist The college search process can be a challenge. However, with a little planning, it also can be a rewarding journey. The following checklist will keep you on the right track throughout your college search.
- Plan a rigorous course of study for your last years of high school
- Take the college admissions test(s) (ACT, SAT)
- Meet with your high school counselor or your college advisor
- Begin your college search:
- Go to college fairs
- Meet with admissions counselors who visit your high school
- Ask family and friends for their recommendations
- Check out colleges' websites
- Research schools through their catalogs and publications (Email the admissions office to request these materials)
- Look at lists of college rankings and use online college search sites
- Reflect on your priorities for your college experience
- Prepare for your college visit:
- Develop a list of important questions to ask
- Make arrangements with your teachers and school attendance office about missing classes for college visits
- Schedule your visits through the college admissions offices. Ask about meeting with faculty, coaches, etc. if you are interested
- Start your college visits:
- Meet with a college admissions counselor
- Take a tour
- Meet with a professor in your academic area
- Sit in on a class
- Talk with coaches, music directors and others who lead college programs in your areas of interest
- Talk to students about their experiences
- Ask questions from your prepared list
- Continue college visits. Take advantage of special summer visit programs
- Ask friends about their first year of college
- Organize and read the college information you've received
- Compile a résumé including extra-curricular activities, community service, work experience, awards and honors, etc.
- Feeling ambitious? Get a headstart on filling out your applications.
- Continue rigorous college-prep curriculum
- Retake ACT or SAT if you wish
- Apply to colleges (start early!):
- Find application online or request a paper copy
- Fill out application. Make sure you proofread before submitting. Keep a copy of all your completed applications for your records.
- Follow your high school's procedure to send:
- Application and fee
- Official transcript through high school
- Test scores (ACT and/or SAT)
- Original writing sample (if required)
- Teacher or counselor recommendations (as specified by the college)
- Follow up to make sure all materials arrive at the college
- Continue college visits:
- Make repeat visits to schools you liked the first time
- Interview with the admissions office if recommended for admissions process
- Set up overnight visits at your top 2 or 3 choices
- Work through financial aid process:
- Fill out FAFSA form and other required financial assistance materials (available after January 1)
- Investigate scholarships at the colleges you are considering (academic, co-curricular, talent, heritage- or religion-affiliated, etc.)
- Fill out additional forms required for scholarships
- Look for local/private scholarship programs
- Select your college by May 1:
- Send necessary deposit(s)
- Investigate housing options
- Notify colleges not selected of your choice
