Start early, stress less. College prep is a multi-year process. Use this guide to stay on track each year. The Class of 2028 will apply to college in fall 2027.
Freshman Year (2024–25)
Now ▼- Focus on your GPAColleges look at all four years. Start strong.
- Join clubs and activitiesBuild your activities list — quality matters more than quantity.
- Take challenging classesHonors courses show colleges you're ready for college-level work.
- Start thinking about interestsWhat subjects, careers, or fields genuinely excite you?
- Create a college-tracking documentStart a list of schools you're curious about — no pressure yet.
Sophomore Year (2025–26)
▼- Take the PSAT/NMSQT in OctoberGreat practice for the SAT. National Merit eligibility starts in 11th grade.
- Explore careers and majorsTry job shadowing, informational interviews, or career aptitude tools.
- Start SAT/ACT prepKhan Academy's free SAT prep is excellent. Take a practice test to gauge where you stand.
- Visit local college campusesEven informal visits help you understand what "feels right."
- Research scholarshipsMany local and state scholarships open in sophomore or junior year.
Junior Year (2026–27)
▼- Take the PSAT/NMSQT in OctoberThis is the qualifying year for National Merit Scholarship consideration.
- Take the SAT or ACT (spring)Most students take it first in March or April junior year, leaving time to retest senior year.
- Build your college listAim for 8–12 schools: 2–3 reach, 4–6 match, 2–3 likely/safety.
- Visit collegesSpring break and summer are ideal times for campus tours.
- Start your college essay (summer)Common App essay prompt thinking begins in summer before senior year.
- Ask teachers for recommendation lettersAsk at the end of junior year — give teachers plenty of notice.
Senior Year (2027–28) — Application Season
▼- August: Common App opensCreate your account, set up your school list, and start filling in the basics.
- October 1: FAFSA opensComplete it as soon as possible — financial aid is first-come, first-served at many schools.
- November 1–15: Early Decision / Early Action deadlinesED is binding; EA is not. Check each school's policy carefully.
- December–January: Regular Decision deadlinesMost RD deadlines are January 1–15. Submit a few days early to avoid technical issues.
- February: FAFSA priority deadlinesMany schools have state and institutional aid deadlines in February.
- March–April: Acceptance letters arriveCompare financial aid offers carefully — not all aid is equal.
- May 1: National College Decision DayCommit to your college, pay your enrollment deposit, and notify schools you're declining.