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.

National Merit notification - Junior Year College Admission

Overview

National Merit recognition announcements happen in September of senior year. Here's what to expect if you scored well on the PSAT/NMSQT!

Timeline for Class of 2027

Commended Students (~50,000): Announced early September 2026. Letters of Commendation sent.
Semifinalists (~16,000): Announced early September 2026 through schools and newspapers. Must complete application.
Finalists (~15,000): Notified February 2027 after application review.
Scholarship Winners: Announced April-July 2027.

If You're a Potential Semifinalist

Watch for announcements in early September 2026
Your school will notify you
You'll complete an application with essays and activities
Deadline is typically mid-October 2026

Scholarship Opportunities

National Merit $2,500 Scholarships (2,500 winners)
Corporate-sponsored scholarships (varies)
College-sponsored scholarships (some offer FULL TUITION!)

Commended Recognition

Still valuable to note on applications! It recognizes top 3% of test-takers.

If You Don't Qualify

That's completely okay! Most successful college applicants aren't National Merit scholars. Your PSAT provided valuable SAT prep data.

Overview

National Merit recognition announcements happen in September of senior year. Here's what to expect if you scored well on the PSAT/NMSQT!

Timeline for Class of 2027

Commended Students (~50,000): Announced early September 2026. Letters of Commendation sent.
Semifinalists (~16,000): Announced early September 2026 through schools and newspapers. Must complete application.
Finalists (~15,000): Notified February 2027 after application review.
Scholarship Winners: Announced April-July 2027.

If You're a Potential Semifinalist

Watch for announcements in early September 2026
Your school will notify you
You'll complete an application with essays and activities
Deadline is typically mid-October 2026

Scholarship Opportunities

National Merit $2,500 Scholarships (2,500 winners)
Corporate-sponsored scholarships (varies)
College-sponsored scholarships (some offer FULL TUITION!)

Commended Recognition

Still valuable to note on applications! It recognizes top 3% of test-takers.

If You Don't Qualify

That's completely okay! Most successful college applicants aren't National Merit scholars. Your PSAT provided valuable SAT prep data.

National Merit notification

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Timeline for Class of 2027

If You're a Potential Semifinalist

Scholarship Opportunities

Commended Recognition

If You Don't Qualify

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

National Merit notification

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Timeline for Class of 2027

If You're a Potential Semifinalist

Scholarship Opportunities

Commended Recognition

If You Don't Qualify

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks