College Planning Timeline

11th Grade
All 11th grade planning steps are shown.
College Planning steps are highlighted.

Fall Semester
Maintaining your grades during your junior year is important!
Colleges put a lot of weight on your grades for this year. 		Successful Study Techniques 
Make sure you're challenging yourself academically.
Colleges will consider how difficult your courses are. 		 
Now is the time to really focus your career and college research. Career FinderCollege Matching Assistant 
As you research education and career options, share your discoveries with your family.
You'll be working together a lot over the next couple of years as you leave high school and enter college or pursue another path.		 
If your schedule permits, stay involved in school and community activities.  
Talk to your guidance counselor (or teachers, if you don't have access to a guidance counselor) about the following:
Availability of and enrollment in IB or AP classes  
The possibility of concurrent enrollment: taking college-level courses before you graduate from high school 
Schedules for the PSAT, SAT, SAT Subject, ACT, IB, and AP exams  
Why you should take these exams and how they could benefit you Getting Ready for College  
Which of these exams would be the best fit for you — and then sign up for those tests. Remember, you can always change your mind Getting Ready for College  
How to start getting ready for the exams! Test PrepGetting Ready for College What it Takes to Ace the SATs 
Your academic record. Review it with your counselor and talk about ways to improve Your Plan of Study 
The admissions requirements for the colleges you're interested in attending. Do your research, and be sure to find out about any additional requirements on top of GPA and test scores College Matching Assistant 
Take one or more assessment test: PSAE, ACT and/or SAT.
If you are an Illinois public high school student, you will be required to take the PSAE (Prairie State Achievement Examination). One of the components of the PSAE is the ACT Assessment, so in most cases, taking the PSAE eliminates the need to take a separate ACT. 		 
August:
Obtain schedules and forms for the SAT, SAT Subject, ACT, IB, and AP exams. 
September:
Register for the PSAT exam offered in October.
Remember that when you take the PSAT in your junior year, the scores will count towards the National Achievement Program (and it is good practice for the SAT). 		 
Start a file for college catalogs and other admissions information. 
Keep an eye out for college nights being held at schools in your area.  
October:
Take the PSAT if you registered for it this month. Test Prep 
Narrow your list of colleges to include a few colleges with requirements at your current GPA, a few with requirements above your current GPA, and at least one with requirements below your GPA. College Matching Assistant 
Begin scheduling interviews or meetings with admissions counselors. 
If possible, schedule tours of the school grounds on the same days.
You and your parent(s) may want to visit the colleges and universities during spring break and summer vacation so you don't have to miss school.		 Explore Schools 
December:
You will receive your scores from the October PSAT if you took it that month.
Depending on the results, you may want to consider signing up for free online SAT prep. 		Test Prep 
Spring Semester
If you're choosing your senior year classes, look for classes that will give you a strong transcript.
You'll also want to look for classes that will fit your college study plans. 		Your Plan of Study 
Consider looking for a summer job or internship.
Not only can you earn money for college, you can also learn valuable skills.		  
January:
Continue with your campus tours online or in person.
You want to be narrowing down your list of potential colleges. 		Explore Schools 
February:
Register for the March SAT or the April ACT, or both.
Research the requirements of the colleges you're interested in to learn about admission deadlines and which tests to take. 		Getting Ready for College  
March:
Take the March SAT exam if you registered to take it this month. What it Takes to Ace the SATsTest Prep 
If you are interested in taking an IB or AP exam, you should sign up now.
If your school does not offer the AP exams, check with your guidance counselor to find schools in the area that do administer the exams, as well as the dates and times they're offered.		 
April:
Take the April ACT test if you registered for this month. Test Prep 
Students attending public high schools in Illinois will take the Prairie State Achievement Exams (PSAE), which includes the ACT Assessment. 
May:
Take the AP, SAT and SAT Subject exams.
Check to see if the schools that you are interested in attending require SAT Subject exams.		 What it Takes to Ace the SATsTest Prep 
Talk to teachers about writing letters of recommendation for you.
Politely ask your teachers that know you well if they can help. Think about what you would like to include in these and give the teachers your resume or a list of your activities and awards to help them with the letters.		 
June:
Add any new report cards, test scores, honors or awards from the year to your file.  
Continue with your college visits.
Call ahead for appointments with the financial aid, admissions and academic advisors at the colleges in which you are most interested. 		Explore Schools 
If you go on interviews or visits, don't forget to send thank-you notes.  
Take the SAT, SAT Subject and the ACT tests if you're registered. What it Takes to Ace the SATsTest Prep 
Summer Between Junior and Senior Years
Continue to work on your application essays and review the application procedures for the colleges you plan to apply to. College Application Essay Tips 
Decide if you are going to apply under any Early Decision or Early Action programs.
Check with the schools that you are interested in attending to find out if they have these options, since they will typically require that you apply between October and December of your senior year. Applying under Early Decision requires that you commit to that school if admitted and that you withdraw your application from all other colleges and universities.		 
Read your college mail and send reply cards to your schools of interest.