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.

Maintain strong grades - Junior Year College Admission

Overview

February is a great time to check in on your grades and make adjustments before midterms and finals!

Weekly Check-In Routine

Review current grades in all classes
Calculate what you need on upcoming assignments to maintain/improve
Identify any courses where you're at risk
Take action early!

Priority Focus

A-G courses (affect UC/CSU GPA)
Core academics (matter most to admissions)
AP/Honors courses where you're near grade thresholds

Grade Improvement Strategies

Attend every class (affects participation grades)
Complete all assignments (zeros devastate averages)
Use office hours before you fall behind
Form study groups with motivated classmates
Get tutoring early, not when it's too late

If You're Struggling

That's okay — it happens! Talk to your teacher now while there's time to improve. Most teachers appreciate students who take initiative.

What to Aim For

Mostly As and Bs in challenging courses
Show consistency from first semester
Avoid any grade below B- if possible

Overview

February is a great time to check in on your grades and make adjustments before midterms and finals!

Weekly Check-In Routine

Review current grades in all classes
Calculate what you need on upcoming assignments to maintain/improve
Identify any courses where you're at risk
Take action early!

Priority Focus

A-G courses (affect UC/CSU GPA)
Core academics (matter most to admissions)
AP/Honors courses where you're near grade thresholds

Grade Improvement Strategies

Attend every class (affects participation grades)
Complete all assignments (zeros devastate averages)
Use office hours before you fall behind
Form study groups with motivated classmates
Get tutoring early, not when it's too late

If You're Struggling

That's okay — it happens! Talk to your teacher now while there's time to improve. Most teachers appreciate students who take initiative.

What to Aim For

Mostly As and Bs in challenging courses
Show consistency from first semester
Avoid any grade below B- if possible

Maintain strong grades

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Weekly Check-In Routine

Priority Focus

Grade Improvement Strategies

If You're Struggling

What to Aim For

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

Maintain strong grades

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Weekly Check-In Routine

Priority Focus

Grade Improvement Strategies

If You're Struggling

What to Aim For

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks