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.

Take PSAT/NMSQT - Junior Year College Admission

Overview

Today's the day! The PSAT/NMSQT is your opportunity to qualify for National Merit recognition. You've prepared for this - trust yourself!

Test Day Checklist

Bring:

✅ Pencils (#2)
✅ Approved calculator (check College Board's list)
✅ School ID
✅ Admission ticket (if applicable)
✅ Snack for break

Test Details:

Duration: 2 hours 14 minutes
Section 1: Reading & Writing (54 questions, 64 minutes)
Section 2: Math (44 questions, 70 minutes)

National Merit Scoring

Selection Index = (Reading/Writing × 2 + Math) ÷ 10
California Semifinalist cutoff: typically ~223-225
Commended: ~208+

Test Day Tips

Pace yourself - skip difficult questions and return to them
Use process of elimination
Trust your preparation!

What Happens Next

Scores release late December 2025
National Merit Semifinalists announced September 2026

After the Test

Take a deep breath and celebrate completing it! Whatever happens, this is valuable practice for the SAT.

Overview

Today's the day! The PSAT/NMSQT is your opportunity to qualify for National Merit recognition. You've prepared for this - trust yourself!

Test Day Checklist

Bring:

✅ Pencils (#2)
✅ Approved calculator (check College Board's list)
✅ School ID
✅ Admission ticket (if applicable)
✅ Snack for break

Test Details:

Duration: 2 hours 14 minutes
Section 1: Reading & Writing (54 questions, 64 minutes)
Section 2: Math (44 questions, 70 minutes)

National Merit Scoring

Selection Index = (Reading/Writing × 2 + Math) ÷ 10
California Semifinalist cutoff: typically ~223-225
Commended: ~208+

Test Day Tips

Pace yourself - skip difficult questions and return to them
Use process of elimination
Trust your preparation!

What Happens Next

Scores release late December 2025
National Merit Semifinalists announced September 2026

After the Test

Take a deep breath and celebrate completing it! Whatever happens, this is valuable practice for the SAT.

Take PSAT/NMSQT

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Test Day Checklist

National Merit Scoring

Test Day Tips

What Happens Next

After the Test

Helpful Resources

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

Take PSAT/NMSQT

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Test Day Checklist

National Merit Scoring

Test Day Tips

What Happens Next

After the Test

Helpful Resources

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks