Timeline
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Freshman year-exploration
Do well in classes to ensure placement in more rigorous coursework. If there’s a subject you’ve done especially well in, consider taking the SAT II subject test for that class in May or June, provided you’ve prepared for that SAT II. Just as importantly, start exploring some extracurricular activities that you’re interested in both in school and in your community. Many good college essays touch on experiences from extracurriculars. There is no golden rule of extracurriculars-playing the tuba is no better or worse than volunteering at the soup kitchen. Do what interests you so you can actually talk about it in your essay.
Sophomore year-preparation
Keep doing well in classes. Take the most rigorous course-load that you can handle, and test your limits. If your school has started offering AP classes, take them. Start to narrow down your extracurriculars to just those that you are most interested in, and start moving into leadership roles. If your activities are competitive, start working hard to earn some awards. If none of the activities in your school or community really interest you, consider starting your own organization.
October sophomore year-PLAN
Take the practice ACT test (the PLAN) in your sophomore year if your school offers it. It’s also a good time to take the PSAT as a practice.
Summer sophomore year-College visits
Start early! Spring break of sophomore year might be better spent working on homework or extracurriculars, but the summer is long. Take a few days to visit colleges that are in your area or that you are really excited about. Starting this early helps get you into the college process. Most importantly, it gives you a sense of what types of classes you need to take and what goals you need to set. If you want to get into that top tier school, now’s the chance to find out how many AP’s you need (usually as many as you can). It can also give you the incentive to jumpstart your SAT prep, especially if you’re taking it early.
Junior year-crunch time
This needs to be your best year both academically and in your activities. This is also the year of tests. Admissions offices often focus most heavily on junior year grades and are much more willing to forgive freshmen and sophomore year grades within reason. This is also generally the year with the hardest classes. Take as many AP tests as your school offers, and budget your time for the SATs. Get into senior leadership positions in your extracurriculars and keep racking up awards.
October, November, December junior year-Early SAT date
This is a good time to take the SATs if you’ve buckled down over the summer. Junior year math is usually not included (check with your school system), and verbal and writing can both be worked on throughout the summer. The real upsides are that you don’t have to study throughout junior year (always the busiest year), and you can avoid the testing pile in the spring. Same holds for the ACT’s in September, October, and December.
October junior year-PSAT
Take the PSATs. Not only is it a good practice exam if you haven’t already taken the SATs, but there is a good opportunity for a scholarship if you do well. After the PSATs, look out for free summer programs such as RSI and TASP. Not only are these great programs to participate in, their application processes are also excellent practice for your college application.
Spring Break junior year-Many college visits
If you didn’t start that early, it’s never too late. Go visit colleges. Make a family vacation of the trip and try to hit a couple of colleges that really interest you. Make sure you attend both the information session (to get the official story), and the campus tour to get a sense of what students feel.
March, May, and June junior year-SATs, ACTs, APs, oh my!
This is the time most people take the SATs. This is also a good time to take SAT II subject tests in subjects you have just taken, as well as AP tests in May, so make sure you have your time budgeted well. Same holds for the ACT’s in April and June.
Late spring junior year-Essay time
Get started on brainstorming your essay idea early. You now have three years’ wealth of both experiences and intellectual ideas for you to choose from. Pick a topic that makes you passionate. Start thinking about which teachers you want to ask recommendations from.
Summer junior year-College visits and college application
Go to any college that you are interested in. Start narrowing down a list of reach schools, match schools, and a safety school or two. Find out about financial aid packages and future opportunities. Write your application essays, and tailor them to the colleges you are applying to.
Senior year-applications
You are almost done. This is the time for you to tie up any loose ends and summarize all that you have worked towards in three years’ time. Make sure your applications are on time for all deadlines. Rolling deadlines start as early as the summer. Early action and early decision deadlines are generally in October. Regular deadlines are generally in December, with many falling on January 1st. If you need to retest the SATs or fill out another subject test, October and November are your last chances to do so. Start editing your essays as early as the summer. Do not leave it until the last minute, and going through many drafts can help you craft that perfect statement.
March, April, senior year-Decisions
Congratulations! By this time you should hear back about your applications. Now is your chance to select the perfect school for you!