College Application Checklist

Freshmen and Sophomores

Although there is no paperwork to fill out yet, there are things you can do early in your high school career to prepare for college entrance.

Start participating or volunteering in various activities that you are interested in.
Make sure that you are taking the correct prerequisite courses if you intend on taking AP or Honors classes.
Keep your grades up becuase colleges look at your grades for all four years of high school.
If you are struggling in a particular subject, get help NOW! Your coursework will only get more difficult with time.
Remember that Lee's Review offers a variety of classes both for the subjects you are excelling in and for those in which you need extra help.

Start thinking about college selection and make an appointment to discuss your options with your school guidance counselor.
Prepare for the PSAT. If your school does not automatically offer this test, sign up for it on the College Board website. The PSAT is a great opportunity to earn scholarship money.
Start preparing for the SAT I and II.
If at all possible, complete your tests in the spring of your junior year so you will not have to worry about the SAT while you are applying to college.
The best time to take SAT II subject tests is right after you have taken the corresponding class in school. For example, take the US History SAT II right after you finish your Government or U.S. History class since you have recently retained the information.

Visit colleges that you are interested in.
Talk to your family and friends about college.
Start preparing for the SAT if you have not already done so.
Start your college essays early; the deadline for most state schools is in November.

Organize your college applications. Create a separate file for each school.
Make a list of all of your application requirements and create a calendar for your deadlines.
Discuss the costs associated with college with your family. Explore various options to finance your education. Research and apply for scholarships.
Register and continue your preparation for the SAT.
Start your college essays if you have not already.

Take the SAT as early as possible to allow you time in the event you feel the need to retake it.
You may need to take the SAT II; keep in mind that you cannot take both the SAT I and II on the same day.
Ask at least two people to read and edit your college essays. Preferably you should ask an English teacher or someone with a strong background in writing.

Applications for some state schools and private schools re: early decisions are due this month.
Take the SAT if you have not already.
Start finishing your college essays. Many private school applications are due in January; work on these applications early so that there is one less thing for you to worry about during the holiday break

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1.
Check with your prospective colleges about financial aid and scholarship deadlines. Be sure to comply with all of their requirements. Many schools have a deadline for submitting your FAFSA.
Timely submit your applications.

Check your mail box for application, scholarship, and financial aid letters.
Compare your offers and ask your parents and guidance counselor to help you weigh your options.
Visiting the schools you are considering is strongly encouraged. Touring a school in person makes a world of a difference in your decision.
Make your decision. Many schools have a May 1st deadline for you to notify them about your decision.