Senior Timeline  

The time is now...get organized and finalize your plans.

SEPTEMBER    

• The fall is the last testing date that will get in for early applications, so whether you want to improve your scores one more time or you need some additional subject tests, it is a good idea to register now.

SAT Test dates  

ACT Test dates 

•  Register for the Common Application. Set up an account and download the list of schools to which you will be applying.

Common Application    

• Write, rewrite, and finalize your Main Personal Statement. Your main essay is called your personal statement. It should be approximately 500 words; while the common application suggests 250-500 words as its limit, student can upload a Word or PDF document, so there is no hard and fast limit. 

• Visit Schools. The Jewish holidays, Columbus Day and Teachers' Convention (for NJ students) are great opportunities to visit schools If possible, schedule an interview.

• Finish Your College List. Identify your final list of schools and decide if you want to apply somewhere early decision, which is binding. Prioritize your applications by interest and difficulty of the application.

• If you are not applying early decision, your goal is to have one or two "reach" schools, which may be too challenging, one or two "possible" schools you think you might possibly be accepted in, three or four ones you are "likely" to get in, and one or two "safety" schools. 

• Request letters of recommendation from teachers. Ask your teachers to write you a letter of recommendation at the beginning of the school year. Many teachers limit the number of students for whom they write letters, so it is best to get on their list early. Once you have your final list determined, you should provide your teacher with a recommendation form and stamped, addressed envelopes for each school or upload them to Naviance for electronic submission.

• Schedule an interview, if appropriate for your schools. 

• Schedule an Audition (if applicable). The deadline for this varies by school.

• Fill Out Your CSS Profile.  

CSS Profile (Private School Financial Aid Form)    

• If you are applying to private colleges, you can submit the CSS profile as early as September with an estimated income tax form.

• For the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will need to wait until Jan. 1.  

FAFSA (Federal Student Aid)  

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER   

• Register for State Applications. Many state schools do not participate in the common application, so you will need to set up a separate account for each school. Do not despair, though, because you can often use the same personal statement that you write for the common application schools.

•  Download Supplements to the Common Application. In addition to the main personal statement (essay) and short answer, many schools require supplemental essays or forms. Schools make their supplement to the common application available at different times, so keep checking over the next two months.

• Take Last-Minute SAT Subject Tests or SAT/ACT Tests. Yes, if you take the October SAT or ACT it will count toward an early decision application. The ACT also offers a test in September.

OCTOBER   

• Finish Applications for Early Decision or Early Action. This is the time to get all your supplements complete, including not only essays, but also DVDs of performing arts talent or an art portfolio.

• Visit Colleges. It is not too late to visit colleges if you are still undecided. A AAA Travel Planner may be handy here - locations and colleges can be search for, to make "TripTiks," in drop-down menus on the auto club's site.

AAA Travel planner    

• Request Transcripts. Allow at least four weeks before your application is due.  Check with your high school for the specific requirements. 

• Request SAT  and ACT Scores: Allow four weeks before your application is due to avoid a late fee. (You can still send if you miss this deadline for an additional fee.)

SAT Scores to be sent  

ACT Scores to be sent