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|  | | | | College Application Timeline | | There is no single correct way to navigate the college application
process - so take the items on this list as suggestions only.
Each student and family will experience the journey in a different way
- what is most important is that the you, the student, are
actively involved along the way.
Freshman and Sophomore Year
- Your
first year in high school is all about academics and understanding
yourself as a student. Select classes that are challenging and
manageable.
- Colleges will look at your
academic record all the way back to freshman year, so focus on earning
the best grades you can, and adjust your schedule if you need to.
- Work to actively develop effective study habits that work
for you. Continuously reevaluate your study habits and change
those that aren't working for you.
- Ask questions in class, and meet with the teacher after class/school to get help when you need it.
- Set
goals and make plans to achieve those goals. Goals should be
specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and time sensitive.
- Take
time to meet with your counselor - schedule an appointment and come
prepared with any questions you have about graduation requirements,
colleges, careers or anything else that comes to mind.
- Keep an
eye out for careers that might interest you - information is everywhere
if you look for it: newspapers, teachers, magazines, your parents and
relatives, the internet, the list goes on and on...
- Join activities that are tied to your interests: sports, clubs, volunteer opportunities, etc. Get involved!
Junior Year - First Semester
- Continue
to focus on your academics. Meet with your counselor to review
your transcript, weighted/unweighted GPAs and class rank.
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT (this test is free for all juniors in Saint Paul).
- Attend
college fairs and explore colleges on the internet. Look at the
programs offered, download an application or two to see what they
require, visit one of the conveniently located colleges in Saint Paul.
- If
you haven't already discovered it, visit the College and Career
Resource Center (located in the library). Sign up to visit
college representatives and come prepared with questions.
- Begin
to identify the factors in colleges that are important to you (size,
location, distance from home, cost, programs/majors, rigor, activities,
affiliations).
Junior Year - Second Semester
- Continue to participate in extracurricular activities.
- Register to take the ACT or SAT. Highland Park hosts the ACT in April and June.
- Meet with your counselor to review your remaining graduation requirements as you register for your senior year.
- Continue to explore colleges through the internet, and plan visits with your family.
- Talk
to your family about the finances of colleges. It is best to have
a clear understanding of financial resources and financial aid.
- Narrow
your focus to the colleges you plan to apply to in the fall and collect
the applications. If an essay is required, work on it over the
summer (it's easier to do when you don't have any other homework).
Senior Year - First Semester
- Select a senior year of
classes that maintains your rigor. Colleges will want to see that
you don't fall for the senior slide.
- If you are unhappy with your ACT score, register to retake the test for the October sitting.
- If you are male, register for selective service when you turn 18 in order to be eligible for federal financial aid.
- Organize
your applications in a folder. Make a list of deadlines and
elements (letters of recommendation, essays, writing samples, etc.)
required for each.
- Have your ACT or SAT scores sent directly to the colleges if they will not accept the scores with your HPSH transcript.
- Contact
teachers (and your counselor, if needed) about letters of
recommendation. Meet with them to discuss the letters, come
prepared with a resume, be clear about your deadlines (give them at
least two weeks), and write a thank you note when they are
completed.
- Visit an remaining colleges on your list.
- Begin researching scholarships (check the resources in the CRC and on the Counseling website).
- Complete and mail off applications.
- Apply for a PIN number for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov
Senior Year - Second Semester
- Complete and submit the FAFSA with your family.
- If
your college(s) requires a mid-year report, turn in the paperwork and
official transcript request to the school counseling office.
- Confirm with all of your colleges that your application files are complete.
- Collect
and review acceptance notifications and financial awards with your
family. Make your final choice and notify the college by May 1.
- End your senior year with strong grades (yes, they do check).
- Complete
your final transcript request in the school counseling office before
you leave - your college of choice needs to have confirmation of your
graduation status.
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