College Planning

Research and Plan Ahead

Spring of Junior Year 

Talk with your family and prioritize what factors are important to each of you as you search for a college. Consider location, cost, size, selectivity, campus life, academic programs, class size, safety, career placement, internships, foreign study, financial aid and scholarship possibilities.

Make an appointment with your Guidance Counselor at school to discuss your plans. Talk with your teachers; they are a valuable resource.

Obtain information about the colleges that interest you. Contact the admissions office of those schools that interest you to request a catalog, application and scholarship/financial aid information. Find out when Open Houses and Visitation Days are scheduled. 

Take the SAT  and/or ACT.

High School Road Map

DOD Service Academies

Scholastic program and related conduct are recommended for students considering applying to the Department of Defense Service Academies: U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard & Merchant Marines
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E-Knowledge

Free SAT & ACT Prep PROGRAM

Military families will be able to order free SAT/ACT test prep material.
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Visit College Campuses 

Spring of Junior Year and Summer entering Senior Year

Visit all of the campuses of the colleges you are considering. Visit College Tours for more information. This is your opportunity to learn as much as you can about the academic and social life. Come prepared with a list of questions that reflect your concerns.

DECIDE and APPLY

Fall of Senior Year

• Consider retaking the SAT or ACT if you think you can improve your score
• Register to take the SAT II Subject Tests. Some colleges you are applying to require you to do so. Check with the college you are applying to for details. Most colleges do not require this.
• Talk to your Guidance Counselor by early fall if you are interested in a Military Academy Appointment.
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• Obtain college applications as soon as possible.Check with your Guidance Counselors for some applications, it is your responsibility however to secure applications.Read and follow application instructions carefully. Pay close attention to directions and deadline dates. Stay organized. Allow yourself enough time. Plan ahead.

• Ask your Guidance Counselor for application submission details. They may want you to submit it to the counselor directly.
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• Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse if you plan to compete in a Division I or Division II sport. Make your counselor aware that you plan on doing this.Fine-tune your resume making sure to include your activities, accomplishments, honors and goals. Include this in your college application.
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• Write a thoughtful and interesting essay that reflects what is special about you. Let your individuality shine through. Some but not all colleges require a college essay. Ask teachers/advisors/coaches for letters of recommendations for college application. Give them at least 2-3 weeks to complete.Make arrangements for an interview, audition or portfolio review if it is required. Be aware of deadline dates.
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• Meet with college representatives. Apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA is available in December. Colleges may also provide their own institutional form. Both can be completed online.