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.

Learn financial aid basics - Sophomore Year College Admission

Overview

Understanding financial aid now helps you make informed decisions about colleges and avoid surprises later.

Key Concepts

Types of Financial Aid

| Type | What It Is | Repayment | |------|------------|-----------| | Grants | Free money (need-based) | None! | | Scholarships | Free money (merit or need-based) | None! | | Work-Study | Part-time job during college | Earn as you go | | Loans | Borrowed money | Must repay with interest |

Sticker Price vs. Net Price

Sticker Price: Published cost of attendance
Net Price: What you actually pay after aid
Net price varies by family income!

FAFSA Basics

What Is It?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid - required for most financial aid.

Key Timeline

Opens October 1 each year
California priority deadline: March 2
File as early as possible!

FSA ID

You'll need an FSA ID account:

Create at studentaid.gov
Both student AND parent need separate accounts
Create them now to be ready!

Net Price Calculators

Every college has a calculator estimating your actual cost:

College Net Price Calculator
Found on each college's financial aid website

Overview

Understanding financial aid now helps you make informed decisions about colleges and avoid surprises later.

Key Concepts

Types of Financial Aid

Sticker Price vs. Net Price

Sticker Price: Published cost of attendance
Net Price: What you actually pay after aid
Net price varies by family income!

FAFSA Basics

What Is It?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid - required for most financial aid.

Key Timeline

Opens October 1 each year
California priority deadline: March 2
File as early as possible!

FSA ID

You'll need an FSA ID account:

Create at studentaid.gov
Both student AND parent need separate accounts
Create them now to be ready!

Net Price Calculators

Every college has a calculator estimating your actual cost:

College Net Price Calculator
Found on each college's financial aid website

Learn financial aid basics

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Key Concepts

Types of Financial Aid

Sticker Price vs. Net Price

FAFSA Basics

What Is It?

Key Timeline

FSA ID

Net Price Calculators

Helpful Resources

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

Learn financial aid basics

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Key Concepts

Types of Financial Aid

Sticker Price vs. Net Price

FAFSA Basics

What Is It?

Key Timeline

FSA ID

Net Price Calculators

Helpful Resources

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks