Grade 11 Planning Timeline
This is a key year in the college planning process because you’ll be taking standardized tests, narrowing down your college list, and learning more about financial aid. In addition, you’ll need to stay involved in your high school courses and activities.
Semester 1
Stay on track with your classes and grades
Even if your grades haven’t been that good so far, it’s never too late to improve. Colleges like to see an upward trend. Consider taking classes toward career exploration.
Choose your test
In October, choose between the PSAT or ASVAB.
College-bound juniors should take the PSAT which prepares you for future testing. Taking the test qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship program, which means you could earn money for college. For those thinking of a technical diploma or military service, plan to take the ASVAB, a career exploration test.
ACT test prep
In the spring you will be taking the ACT test at school. In fall, you might consider taking practice ACT courses or utilize free online resources, sign up for classes, or hire an online tutor. FVL provides a practice ACT option at the end of January.
Stay involved with cocurricular activities
Colleges look for consistency and depth in the non-academic activities you pursue. Consider taking on leadership roles within the groups you pursue.
Continue gathering college information
Go to college fairs, attend college nights, attend open houses, and speak with college representatives who visit your high school. You may be able to narrow your choices or add a school to your list. Now is the time to follow a more specific path. Decide whether you want to pursue full-time employment, further education or training (such as a vocational-technical school, career college, or two-year or four-year college), or a military career. If you’re interested in attending a military academy, talk to your Guidance Counselor about starting the application process now. Continue to make a college list in Naviance (Colleges I’m Interested in) Include colleges that meet your most important criteria (e.g., size, location, cost, academic majors, or special programs). Weigh each of the factors according to their importance to you, and develop a preliminary ranking of the schools on your list.
Semester 2
Begin narrowing down your college choices
Make sure you have all the information you need about the colleges you’re interested in (entrance requirements, tuition, room and board costs, course offerings, student activities, financial aid, etc.). Talk with your family as you begin comparing the schools by the factors that are most important to you, and rank your choices.
Prepare your senior year schedule
College bound students will want to take a rigorous course load. Stick with a schedule that challenges you and aligns with your post high school plan.
Apply for a summer job or internship
Summer employment and internships in fields you’re interested in will look appealing on a college application or resume. The money you earn helps, too. The application opens in January for Youth Apprenticeship.
Set up appointments at your top college choices
You’ll often have to plan ahead when visiting colleges. Call the admissions office to set up a personal interview, tour, and a meeting with a professor or coach if you’re interested. Don’t hesitate to request an application fee waiver. NOTE: Athletes must be registered with the NCAA before conducting an “official” visit.
Summer (Before Senior Year)
Visit Colleges
Visit the campuses of your top five college choices. Take a tour, and speak with the admissions and financial aid staff. You may also be able to talk to students if some classes are in session. If you have an interview, be sure to send a thank-you letter to the interviewer once you return home
Start working on your application essays
Compose rough drafts of the essays you’ll need for your college applications. Have a teacher read and discuss them with you so you can see what to work on. Make any revisions to your essays, and prepare final drafts. Don’t forget to proofread your final essays a few times.
Application preparations
If you plan to apply Early Action to any school, take the time to visit the school again, and make sure you’re willing to commit. If you elect to apply Early Action, you should start working on your application as soon as possible because its deadline will be earlier than others.
Also, decide if you will be using the Common App or directly applying to colleges. The Common App is an undergraduate college admissions application that allows students to complete one application and send to any member school of the Common App. This choice is preferred if you will be applying to more than five colleges.
The UW system also has its own portal to use for applications, except for UW-Madison. This application will allow you to apply to as many UW universities as you would like.