College Planning Timeline

From Junior Year to Decision Day

​​

This schedule guides you through the essential steps of the college application process.

​​

Junior Spring (February – June)

• Research & List Building

• Research colleges using websites, tours, and college fairs.

• Begin building a list and sort schools into Reach, Match, and Safety categories.

Testing

• Begin SAT/ACT prep.

• SMS administers the SAT Suite of Assessments in March (PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, SAT ).

Academics & Activities

• Plan a rigorous senior-year schedule.

• Continue in leadership roles and track achievements.

Draft Your Essay

• Write a first draft of your Common App personal statement. Focus on authenticity.

Summer Planning

• Apply for summer programs, jobs, or internships.

• Recommendations (Before Summer Break)

• Ask two academic teachers for letters of recommendation. Provide a resume/brag sheet.

🎵 Music Applicants

• Review pre-screen repertoire requirements with your private teacher.

• Select repertoire and begin structured practice.

• Create a summer rehearsal schedule.

Summer (July – August)

• Finalize Your College List

• Narrow choices by academic, social, and financial fit.

• Essays

  • Revise your personal statement.

  • Have a family member review it with the question: “Does this sound like me?”

• Visit campuses.

• Register for fall SAT/ACTs if retaking.

🎵 Music Applicants

• Rehearse consistently.

• Do mock recordings.

• Book studio time early for fall pre-screen recordings (space fills quickly).

Senior Fall (September – October)

• Applications & Essays

  • Finalize main essay and begin supplemental essays.

• Complete the Common App and confirm Early Decision/Early Action deadlines (Nov 1 typical).

• Financial Aid

  • File the FAFSA (opens Oct 1).

  • Complete the CSS Profile if required.

• Meet with college reps; attend sample lessons for arts programs.

🎵 Music Applicants

• Record pre-screens in Sept/Oct.

• Review with teacher before submission.

• Submit recordings by school deadlines (Oct–Dec).

• Prepare for potential live/virtual auditions.

Senior Winter (November – January)

• Submit Applications

• Submit all Early Decision/Early Action applications by the November deadlines.

• Submit Regular Decision applications (Dec 1 – Jan 15 typical).

• Monitor application portals for missing items.

• Apply for outside scholarships.

• Participate in alumni interviews if offered.

• Keep grades strong — colleges see midyear report cards.

🎵 Music Applicants

• Attend final auditions (Feb–March) depending on the school.

• Keep repertoire performance-ready until all auditions are complete.

Senior Spring (February – May)

• Financial Planning

  • Compare financial aid award letters.

• Decisions & Next Steps

• Notify colleges of your decision and submit your deposit by May 1 (National Decision Day).

• Submit housing forms and take placement exams if required.

• May 1: Time to Celebrate Your Next Chapter!