September

Request applications and brochures from your target colleges if you haven't already.

Schedule college interviews with prospective schools.

Set up a budget for college application costs, they can add up.

Get your applications in order by creating files for your target schools. Make a list of application requirements (essays, transcripts, etc) and deadlines for each.

Request letters of recommendation from teachers, advisors and employers.

Work on application essays.

October

Talk to your parents about college cost. Decide how much you can afford and explore your options for funding. Visit www.finaid.org to learn more about financial aid. FAFSA.ed.gov is the site to sign up for the free application for federal student aid.

Request transcripts sent to your target schools.

SAT and ACT are offered in October. Get all test dates from the Guidance Office or look on the PHCS website.

Start applying for scholarships from private organizations. Check out the list of scholarships in this booklet.

The December SAT registration deadline is in October! Get all test dates from the Guidance Office or look on the PHCS website.

November and December

If you're applying Early Action or Early Decision, get your application in this month.

The December ACT registration deadline is in November! Get all test dates from the Guidance Office or look on the PHCS website.

Request test scores be sent to colleges.

Work on college applications! Many applications are due soon!

SAT and ACT is offered in December. Get all test dates from the Guidance Office or look on the PHCS website.

Remember:  Keep copies of all applications and forms sent to colleges!

January and February

File the applying Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1. You can fill out your TAP online immediately after finishing the FAFSA online! See more information on FAFSA on the PHCS website.

Check with your prospective colleges about additional financial aid application forms and requirements.

Send mid-year reports to colleges, if necessary.

Verify that your applications have been received by colleges.

Send thank-you notes to your recommendation sources.

Review the SAR (Student Aid Report) to make sure the information is correct. You should receive it 4-6 weeks after you submit your FAFSA (1-2 weeks if you submit your FAFSA electronically).

March and April

Check the mail for admissions letters and financial aid awards.

Compare your admissions offers. Ask your Guidance Counselor to help you weigh your options.

Contact financial aid office if you have any special financial aid circumstances.

If listed, notify the admissions office if you're still interested.

Plan your summer internship, job or program.

Time for a decision! Most schools ask that you choose your school by May 1.

May

Notify (in writing) the schools you have decided not to attend.

Make sure you've received the necessary forms for housing, health insurance, financial aid, etc.

Pursue additional student loan options.

Notify colleges of any private scholarship awards.

June-August

Have your final transcripts sent to your new school.

Research banking options near your college.

Double-check any final deadlines for housing, financial aid, etc.

Set up a projected first-year college budget.

Fall

Take the most challenging academic schedule you can. It shows admissions officers that you're ready for a competitive college environment.

Research prospective colleges to find the right school for you.

Attend college fairs and speak to on-campus college representatives.

Register in the Guidance Office, prepare for and take the PSAT/NMSQT. It is scheduled in October at PHCS!

Begin studying for the SAT or ACT.

Check out the list of local and national scholarship money available in this booklet.

Take leadership roles in clubs, activities and volunteer organizations.

Begin to consider which teachers, advisors or employers you might use for college recommendations.

Explore financial aid options with your parents/guardians.

February-March

Apply to scholarships.

Visit prospective colleges during spring break.

SAT is offered in March. Get all test dates from the Guidance Office or look on the PHCS website.

Continue discussing college costs and options with your parents/guardians.

Put together your resume, including academic record, extracurricular activities, honors and volunteer work.

April-May

Check academic requirements for your prospective schools. Summer is the best time to fill any gaps.

ACT is offered in April. Get all test dates from the Guidance Office or look on the PHCS website.

SAT is offered in May. Get all test dates from the Guidance Office or look on the PHCS website.

Apply for summer jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities.

June-August

Visit prospective colleges. Be sure to talk with current students about the school.

Athletes should register with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse at the end of the academic year if you are thinking g of a Dev. 1 sport.

Request applications and brochures from your top colleges.

Get started on college application essays by writing sample drafts.

Take some time out to prepare for your standardized tests.