When should I start preparing for college admission?

You should start preparing in freshman year of high school. This includes focusing on grades, exploring extracurricular activities, and beginning to think about your interests and potential career paths.

What are the most important college admission deadlines?

Key deadlines include: Early Decision/Early Action (November 1-15), Regular Decision (January 1-15), FAFSA opens (October 1), and CSS Profile deadline (varies by school). Our timeline tracker helps you never miss a deadline.

How many college admission tasks are there?

There are 374+ tasks across all four years of high school, including academic preparation, standardized testing, extracurricular activities, college research, applications, and financial aid.

What is included in the admission timeline?

The timeline includes tasks for: A-G requirements tracking, standardized test prep (SAT/ACT/AP), college research and visits, application essays, letters of recommendation, financial aid (FAFSA/CSS), and scholarship applications.

Finalize junior college list - Junior Year College Admission

Overview

By the end of junior year, you should have a clear list of 10-15 schools you're seriously considering. This list can still evolve, but having a solid foundation helps focus your efforts!

For Each School on Your List, You Should Know:

Why do you want to go here specifically (beyond rankings)?
What programs or opportunities excite you?
Can your family afford it (based on net price calculator)?
Do you have a realistic chance of admission?
Would you actually attend if admitted?

Balanced List Checklist

✅ 2-3 Safety schools (you'd genuinely love to attend)
✅ 4-6 Target schools (realistic chance, good fit)
✅ 4-6 Reach schools (worth trying!)
✅ At least one school that's affordable with certainty

Document Your Thinking

Create a spreadsheet with:

School name and type (Reach/Target/Safety)
Application deadline
Essay requirements
Net price estimate
Why you're interested

Next Step

Share your list with your counselor for feedback and guidance!

Overview

By the end of junior year, you should have a clear list of 10-15 schools you're seriously considering. This list can still evolve, but having a solid foundation helps focus your efforts!

For Each School on Your List, You Should Know:

Why do you want to go here specifically (beyond rankings)?
What programs or opportunities excite you?
Can your family afford it (based on net price calculator)?
Do you have a realistic chance of admission?
Would you actually attend if admitted?

Balanced List Checklist

✅ 2-3 Safety schools (you'd genuinely love to attend)
✅ 4-6 Target schools (realistic chance, good fit)
✅ 4-6 Reach schools (worth trying!)
✅ At least one school that's affordable with certainty

Document Your Thinking

Create a spreadsheet with:

School name and type (Reach/Target/Safety)
Application deadline
Essay requirements
Net price estimate
Why you're interested

Next Step

Share your list with your counselor for feedback and guidance!

Finalize junior college list

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

For Each School on Your List, You Should Know:

Balanced List Checklist

Document Your Thinking

Next Step

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

Finalize junior college list

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

For Each School on Your List, You Should Know:

Balanced List Checklist

Document Your Thinking

Next Step

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks