August | Review your career plans. |
| Determine the type of college you are looking for. |
| Collect information about colleges: |
| College Fairs Guidance and Counseling Office Internet college searches Request admissions information and school catalogs Review college Web sites Attending college rep visits at your school
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| September | Attend College Fairs |
| Register for College Exams: ACT and SAT and take the SAT Subject Tests (if required by your college). |
| Make arrangements and visit college campuses. |
| Ask employers, teaches, and guidance counselors for letters of recommendation to include with your application. |
October | Take the ACT and/or SAT |
| Attend College Fairs |
| Applying to Colleges: |
| Narrow college choices to 5 or 6 schools and complete applications. Meet with guidance counselors or MCAC Advisors to mail transcripts and answer questions. Note admission deadlines, pay close attention to Early Action/Decision requirements and deadlines, and financial assistance deadlines. Meet with college representatives when they visit your school.
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| Work on admissions essays. |
| Finalize portfolios, auditions, writing samples, or other evidence of talent if required. |
| Begin scholarship search. |
November | Attend college fairs and financial assistance nights. |
| Follow up to ensure letters of recommendations and transcripts have been sent. |
| Contact the college financial aid offices to determine which forms are required. |
| Take or retake College Entrance Exams (ACT or SAT) |
| Take SAT Subject Tests if required by your college. |
December | Finalize your admissions application. Make sure all applications/transcripts are sent to colleges before the holidays. Keep a copy of all forms you submit. |
| Collect Information for Financial Aid Applications. |
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| Research and apply for other financial assistance such as local or private scholarships. |
January | Ask your parents to file their tax forms as early as possible. |
| Submit Mid-Year Reports for Private Colleges (if required). |
February | Attend Missouri FAFSA Frenzy or Tax Preparation/FAFSA Nights at your school site. |
| Submit your FAFSA to the processor as soon as possible. Complete the form on-line at fafsa.ed.gov. |
| Submit college's own financial aid forms. |
| Finalize scholarship applications. |
| Research taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams. |
| Rank your preferred colleges. |
March | Narrow your college choices and make campus visits. |
| Watch for your Student Aid Report (SAR) after you file your FAFSA. Carefully check your SAR and make any corrections online. |
April | Watch the mail for school acceptance and financial aid letters. Review, sign, and return appropriate correspondence. |
| Final decisions should be made and all colleges notified of decisions. Make any deposits required. |
May | Complete applicable AP exams. |
| Tie up loose ends: |
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