College Application Timeline: What to Do in 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th Grade

9th grade (freshman year)

1. 1

   Start strong: 9th grade countsAugust–December

   Colleges see every grade from 9th on. Build study habits now and ask teachers for help early.

2. 2

   Join one or two activities you care aboutSeptember–January

   Try clubs, sports, arts, or service. Depth over time matters more than a long list.

3. 3

   Choose your 10th grade coursesFebruary–April

   Course selection is usually February–March. Keep all five core subjects and add challenge where you’re ready.

4. 4

   Plan a summer that builds somethingMay–August

   A job, a project, a camp, volunteering, or reading in an area you like — anything you can talk about later.

10th grade (sophomore year)

1. 1

   Take the PSAT for practiceSeptember–November

   Offered in October at most schools. Scores don’t go to colleges; they show where to focus.

2. 2

   Start a list of colleges that interest youOctober–February

   Browse by size, location, and majors. Nothing is final — save a few to learn what you like.

3. 3

   Apply to summer programsJanuary–March

   Many summer programs and internships have January–March deadlines. Look for free and local options too.

4. 4

   Choose junior-year courses — rigor matters most hereFebruary–April

   Junior year is the last full year colleges see before you apply. Take the most challenging schedule you can do well in.

5. 5

   Take AP exams for any AP coursesMay

   AP exams are in early-to-mid May. Strong scores can earn college credit.

6. 6

   Take on more responsibility in an activityNovember–July

   Lead a project, teach others, start something, or work a job. Colleges look for growth and initiative.

11th grade (junior year)

1. 1

   Make a testing plan: SAT, ACT, or test-optionalAugust–October

   Try a practice test of each and pick one. Plan a first attempt in winter or spring and leave time for a retake.

2. 2

   Take the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit)September–October

   The October junior-year PSAT is the one that qualifies for National Merit Scholarships.

3. 3

   Visit colleges (in person or virtually)October–May

   Tour, attend an info session, sit in on a class. Note what you like — it helps with “Why us?” essays.

4. 4

   Take the SAT or ACTNovember–March

   Register about five weeks before the test date. Fee waivers are available — ask your counselor.

5. 5

   Choose senior courses — keep rigor upFebruary–April

   Colleges see your senior schedule and grades. A lighter senior year can cost you.

6. 6

   Build a balanced college listFebruary–June

   Aim for 8–12 schools across safety, target, and reach — including at least two affordable safeties.

7. 7

   Ask two teachers for recommendationsMarch–June

   Ask junior-year teachers in core subjects who know you well, before summer. Give them your brag sheet.

8. 8

   Take AP examsMay

   Early-to-mid May. Report strong scores in applications.

9. 9

   Run net price calculators with your familyMay–August

   Every college has one. It estimates what you’d actually pay after aid — often far below the sticker price.

10. 10

    Draft your personal statementJune–September

    Summer is the best time. The Common App prompts are already posted.

11. 11

    Make the summer countJune–August

    A job, a meaningful project, or deeper work in an activity — and rest before senior fall.

12th grade (senior year)

1. 1

   Set up the Common App and add your collegesAugust–September

   It opens August 1. Fill in the profile, activities, and education sections early.

2. 2

   Decide Early Action / Early Decision plansAugust–October

   Early deadlines are usually November 1 or 15. ED is binding — only use it for a clear first choice you can afford.

3. 3

   Finish the personal statement and supplementsSeptember–November

   Get feedback from one or two people, then finalize. Start school-specific essays for early deadlines first.

4. 4

   File the FAFSA (and CSS Profile if required)October–December

   Opens October 1. File early — some aid is first-come, first-served.

5. 5

   Submit Early Action / Early Decision applicationsOctober–November

   Send test scores and confirm transcripts and recommendations are in.

6. 6

   Submit Regular Decision applicationsDecember–January

   Most deadlines are January 1–15. Check each school portal afterward for missing items.

7. 7

   Keep senior grades up — mid-year reports go outJanuary–February

   Your counselor sends first-semester grades to colleges. A drop can change a decision or a deferral.

8. 8

   Apply for scholarshipsNovember–April

   Local scholarships are less competitive. Check your school, community groups, and employers.

9. 9

   Compare admission offers and aidMarch–April

   Look at net cost, not sticker price. If an offer is short, you can appeal.

10. 10

    Choose your college and pay the deposit by May 1April–May

    Then let the other colleges know so your spot can go to someone else.

11. 11

    Summer before college: orientation, housing, formsJune–August

    Work through your Before College checklist: housing, orientation, final transcript, forms, and the first bill.

Key deadlines most seniors face

• October 1: the FAFSA opens for the next school year. File early; some aid is first come, first served.
• November 1 or 15: most Early Action and Early Decision deadlines.
• January 1–15: most Regular Decision deadlines.
• Mid-December and late March: when most early and regular decisions arrive.
• May 1: National College Decision Day — the usual deadline to accept an offer and pay a deposit.

Every college sets its own dates; check each one's admissions site. See also SAT & ACT test dates.