Tutoring experts say high school students should follow this timeline to attend the college of their dreams

San Diego County CA— Throughout November and December, high school students are a-flurry finalizing college applications, taking test prep courses and requesting letters of recommendation. To ease the minds of soon-to-be college students, C2 Education, a tutoring and mentoring service, offers tips to make the college admissions process as simple as possible.
WHY: To avoid the stress that comes with the educational milestone of applying to colleges, students must understand the timeline and the preparation — which begins long before sending in the first application.

Tips for throughout high school

• Maintain a rigorous class schedule
• Keep grades up
• Don’t overlook extracurricular activities

Tips for junior year

Fall:

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT
• Start SAT and/or ACT prep
• Research options
• Visit schools

Spring:

• Register for and take the SAT and/or ACT
• Register for and take a handful of SAT Subject Tests
• Prepare for and take AP exams
• Narrow down list of colleges

Tips for senior year

Fall:

• Identify teachers for recommendations
• Take the SAT and/or ACT again
• Revise college application essays
• Follow college application plan
• If needed, submit CSS Profile

Spring:

• Submit any remaining college applications
• Complete and submit the FAFSA and any school-based financial aid forms
• Play the waiting game
• Compare financial aid packages from the schools where you received admission
• Pick your school
• Take AP exams
• Maintain your grades
• Pay attention to deadlines

Click here for more detailed tips on college admissions.
Click [here] to downlad PDF chart