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.

Research summer programs - Freshman Year College Admission

Overview

Spring semester is the time to find and apply to summer programs. Many have deadlines between January and March!

Types of Programs to Consider

Academic Enrichment

University pre-college programs
Subject-specific intensives (STEM, writing, arts)
Academic camps

Exploration Programs

Career exploration programs
Leadership development
Community service trips

Interest-Based

Sports camps
Arts and music programs
Technology and coding camps
Language immersion

Programs Open to Rising Sophomores

California Programs

COSMOS: UC STEM program (applications open January)
CSSSA: Arts program (requires audition)
Various UC summer sessions: Check each campus

National Programs

Girls Who Code: Free tech program
Boys/Girls State: Leadership (nominations through school)
Many university summer programs: Open to freshmen

Research Checklist

For each program:

☐ Grade level eligibility
☐ Application deadline
☐ Cost and financial aid
☐ Program dates
☐ Application requirements

Where to Search

TeenLife.com
University websites (search "high school summer programs")
Your school counseling office
Community organizations

Application Tips

Start gathering materials now
Request recommendations early
Allow time for essays
Apply for financial aid if needed

Overview

Spring semester is the time to find and apply to summer programs. Many have deadlines between January and March!

Types of Programs to Consider

Academic Enrichment

University pre-college programs
Subject-specific intensives (STEM, writing, arts)
Academic camps

Exploration Programs

Career exploration programs
Leadership development
Community service trips

Interest-Based

Sports camps
Arts and music programs
Technology and coding camps
Language immersion

Programs Open to Rising Sophomores

California Programs

COSMOS: UC STEM program (applications open January)
CSSSA: Arts program (requires audition)
Various UC summer sessions: Check each campus

National Programs

Girls Who Code: Free tech program
Boys/Girls State: Leadership (nominations through school)
Many university summer programs: Open to freshmen

Research Checklist

For each program:

☐ Grade level eligibility
☐ Application deadline
☐ Cost and financial aid
☐ Program dates
☐ Application requirements

Where to Search

TeenLife.com
University websites (search "high school summer programs")
Your school counseling office
Community organizations

Application Tips

Start gathering materials now
Request recommendations early
Allow time for essays
Apply for financial aid if needed

Research summer programs

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Types of Programs to Consider

Academic Enrichment

Exploration Programs

Interest-Based

Programs Open to Rising Sophomores

California Programs

National Programs

Research Checklist

Where to Search

Application Tips

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

Research summer programs

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Types of Programs to Consider

Academic Enrichment

Exploration Programs

Interest-Based

Programs Open to Rising Sophomores

California Programs

National Programs

Research Checklist

Where to Search

Application Tips

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks