APPLYING TO COLLEGE TIMELINE
SOPHOMORE YEAR
TAKE THE PSAT
FALL
get involved
Colleges look for more than someone with good grades. What extracirricular activities are you involved in? Are you playing a sport, in a club, or maybe you're volunteering. Bottom line is you need to get involved with your community. It is better to start sooner rather than later.
The PSAT is an introduction test to the SAT. It allows you to figure out your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to standardized tests. Talk to your guidance counselor to see when it is being offered at your school!
THINK ABOUT DUAL ENROLLMENT
If you're thinking about college, why not try a real college class for FREE?! Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your dual enrollment options and potential classes that interests you. We HIGHLY suggest you take a college class before trying the real thing, you'll learn so many things about your own study habits that will only benefit you when you're doing the real thing.
TRY TO SAVE MONEY
College is expensive, so the earlier you start to save money the better. The minimum working age in VT is 14, so see if you can get a part time job! If not, it is not a big deal, but every little bit helps when it comes to saving for college.
MAKE A LIST OF SCHOOLS THAT INTERST YOU
SPRING
Yes, you should already be starting to think about college. Crazy I know. Start to think about what you want in a college, what things interest you. Begin to make a list. CHECK OUT our "How Do I Find the Right College For Me" page for more information!
JUNIOR YEAR
TAKE THE PSAT
FALL
ATTEND COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIRS
The PSAT is an introduction test to the SAT. It allows you to figure out your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to standardized tests. Talk to your guidance counselor to see when it is being offered at your school!
College & Career Fairs are an excellent resource. Whether they are virtual or in-person, they are full of potential information, all for you! Listen to what the schools have to say, see if you like the idea of working at the company. The only thing you have to lose is to figure out you don't like something! Plus they tend to have a lot of free stuff like pens, chapsticks, glasses, cups, etc.
LIST the SCHOOLS THAT INTERST YOU
Look at schools that sound interesting to you. Are they in the right location, are they the right size? Do you see yourself possibly calling this place home for 2-4 years? If so, then add it to your list!
TAKE A DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSE
Dual enrollment lets you try a college class for FREE! Why not test out your study skills and potentially knock off a college class requirement! We HIGHLY suggest that you take a dual enrollment course. See your guidance counselor for more information.
TRY TO SAVE MONEY
College is expensive, so the earlier you start to save money the better. The minimum working age in VT is 14, so see if you can get a part time job! If not, it is not a big deal, but every little bit helps when it comes to saving for college.
MAKE A LIST OF SCHOLARSHIPS
Look throguh the VSAC Scholarship book, ask your school what scholarships they offer and start to research scholarships online. Scholarships are free money, so you might as well apply for them. We recommend that you compile them into a google doc in order to keep track of it all!
ASK FOR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
SPRING
Both college and scholarship applications require letters of recommendations. Ask teachers who you have good relationship with to write them, you want to be spoken of in the most positive light. Make sure the teacher is familiar with your life outside of school too!
TAKE THE SAT/ACT
SPRING
If the schools that you are applying to require teh SAT/ACT make sure you take it your first time in the Spring of your junior year. See what are your weak and strong areas, then study for the re-take in your senior year!
MAKE A "FAKE" COMMON APP
SPRING/SUMMER
No, you don't need to go on the College Board Website and make a Common App, but you should google some of the essay questions and make some drafts. Think about all of the activites you've participated in and make mini activity descriptions. It sounds like a lot of work, but I promised it will make your life a lot easier when filling out the actual common app.
SENIOR YEAR BABY
TAKE THE SAT/ACT
FALL
If the schools that you are applying to require teh SAT/ACT make sure you take it in the fall of your senior year. Best of luck!
visit schools
Most schools will have either in-person or virtual tours. Take a road trip, see if you like the school you are applying to. Is it a nice area, do you think you can thrive there?
TAKE A DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSE
Dual enrollment lets you try a college class for FREE! Why not test out your study skills and potentially knock off a college class requirement! We HIGHLY suggest that you take a dual enrollment course. See your guidance counselor for more information.
ASK FOR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
the common app
The Common App opens up on August 1st! Start filling it out and get your drafts to your friends and family for final edits. Early Action is due Nov. 1st and Regualr Decision is due January 1st!
scholarship applications
Look throguh the VSAC Scholarship book, ask your school what scholarships they offer! Scholarships are free money, so you might as well apply for them. We recommend that you compile them into a google doc in order to keep track of it all!
Both college and scholarship applications require letters of recommendations. Ask teachers who you have good relationship with to write them, you want to be spoken of in the most positive light. Make sure the teacher is familiar with your life outside of school too!
FAFSA & VT GRANT APPLICATION
The FAFSA opens up in October and the VT Grant Application opens around the same time. You should try to complete them before January 1st!
TRY TO SAVE MONEY
College is expensive, so the earlier you start to save money the better. The minimum working age in VT is 14, so see if you can get a part time job! If not, it is not a big deal, but every little bit helps when it comes to saving for college.
COMPARE ACCEPTANCES AND CHOOSE
Look at all the school you got into and compare what they are offering. Which school gace you the most money? Which school would make you happiest? What school has the most interesting classes? Once you digest it all, settle on the school that is the best fit for YOU!