| |
|
|
|
|
DESTINATION: HIGHER EDUCATION
A College Admissions Calendar for the Year to Come
By Dr. Raymond J. Huntington
From preparing for the SAT and ACT and visiting campuses, to meeting
deadlines for financial aid, the path to the right college can feel
like a marathon journey. But it doesn’t have to be if you take it
one step at a time. Here’s a calendar to keep you on a steady
course.
SEPTEMBER
In September, sophomores and juniors should register to take the
PSAT, a practice run for the SAT, or the PLAN, which is a pre-test
for the ACT. The PSAT is given in October, and the PLAN is given on
different dates at different schools. A good result on the PSAT can
also help you qualify for The National Merit Scholarship Competition
and the National Achievement and National Hispanic Scholars
programs.
Seniors who have not taken the SAT or ACT (or those who want to take
them again in hopes of higher scores) should sign up for the SAT
Reasoning Test and/or SAT Subject Tests, which should be taken in
October and November, or the ACT, which should be taken in September
or October. Seniors should also make sure they have all of the
applications for colleges they’re targeting, and the forms needed
for financial aid.
Sophomores, juniors and seniors who are concerned about their
test-taking skills and those who need to strengthen their content
knowledge should consider test preparation programs. The best
programs offer personalized instruction, provide real education as
opposed to simple tips and tricks, and use official SAT and ACT
exams to help students strengthen their skills. Students should not
wait until the last minute to arrange preparation; school counselors
can direct students to the programs that are best for them.
OCTOBER
In October (or earlier), sophomores, juniors and seniors should
attend college fairs. Also in October, if not before, seniors should
ensure that they have lined up character recommendations for any
colleges that may ask for them. Teachers, employers and coaches can
all write letters of recommendation. Seniors who are applying for
early decision should send their applications in now. Seniors who
haven’t taken the SAT Reasoning and/or Subject Tests or the ACT (or
those who want to take the tests again in hopes of better results)
should sign up to take them in December.
NOVEMBER
In November, all students in need of financial aid should be
searching for grants, scholarships and work-study programs. Seek
help from counselors and other sources, such as the National
Research Center for College and University Admissions (
www.nrccua.org )
and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (
www.nacacnet.org ).
If you’re hoping for federal aid, you’ll need to fill out the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (
www.fafsa.ed.gov )
DECEMBER
In December, sophomores and juniors should receive the results of
the PLAN and the PSAT. Review the results carefully to determine the
skills and knowledge that you need to strengthen prior to taking the
ACT or SAT. If you’re planning to take the ACT in February you
should register now.
If you’re a senior, make sure you send your official test scores to
the colleges and universities you’re considering.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY
In January and February, and throughout the spring, students should
continue investigating colleges that suit their interests. For the
best sense of campus life, visit during the months that classes are
in session.
If you’re a junior who’s completed the math courses covered on the
SAT Reasoning Test, register to take this test in April. If you
haven’t done the coursework, you can register to take the test in
May or June – but make sure you prepare.
If you’re a senior hoping for financial aid, encourage your parents
to complete their income tax forms as soon as possible. You’ll need
the tax data for your FAFSA. If you’ve already completed your FAFSA,
you might receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) in February. Review
this carefully and correct any errors. If you sent in the FAFSA more
than four weeks earlier and haven’t received your report, contact
the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 319 337 5665.
MARCH-APRIL
Sophomores should register now for the June SAT Subject Tests. These
are one-hour exams testing knowledge of subjects students have
already covered. Talk with your counselor to determine which tests
you should take, and when.
Juniors should register now for the May or June SAT Reasoning Test
and/or the May/June SAT Subject tests. Sophomores and juniors who
want to take the ACT in June can also register up until May 4.
Seniors should be reviewing college acceptances and financial aid
awards. If you’ve decided on a college, inform the institution of
your decision. If other colleges have accepted you, let them know
you’re not going to attend so slots can be filled by other students.
MAY and JUNE
If you’re a sophomore, you should be thinking about summertime
activities that will build skills suited to the academic tracks or
careers you’re considering. Juniors should likewise be looking at
activities that strengthen their academic records.
Seniors should decide by May 1 which college they want to attend.
Seniors should also affirm when payments for tuition, room and board
are due.
JULY and AUGUST
Many students prefer to visit colleges during the year for a good
view of campus life, but the summer is also a good time. If
possible, make it a family event.
While it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the college preparation
process, being well-organized and well-informed will lessen the
pressure considerably, giving your more time to experience what can
be one of the most important – and exciting – phases of your life.
Dr. Raymond J. Huntington and Eileen Huntington are co-founders of
Huntington Learning Center and experts in ACT and SAT test
preparation. For more information about Huntington, call 1 800 CAN
LEARN. For a more detailed college prep calendar and other helpful
information, visit the National Association for College Admission
Counseling at www.nacacnet.org .
|
|
|
