AUG:

• Consider applying for National Honor Society Membership--3.5 GPA required.

SEPT:

• Create College Board Account: Store login information. If you forget your password, contact the College Board. Connect your account to NSA. Begin exploring potential colleges. Use College Board or College Scorecard to create a list of 5-10 schools. NSA’s CEEB Code: 252 825

 OCT:

• Schedule to take the ACT or SAT. The best time to take the test is Spring of Junior year or around the time Algebra 2 is finished (whichever one comes first).

NOV:

• Make a plan to help you keep track of your college admissions process. Consider taking Preparing for College Admission at NSA. The best time to take this course is the second semester of the Junior year.

JAN:

• Link College Board and Khan Academy Accounts

FEB:

• Begin thinking about careers and college majors Career/Major investigation

MARCH:

• Email guidance@northstar-academy.org to request an updated graduation planning worksheet. If you are planning to take dual credit courses, be sure to get approval from the guidance department.

APRIL:

• Learn about the College Application process. Figure out which teacher you will ask for a letter of recommendation. View NSA’s tips for letters of recommendations.

MAY:

• Use College Board to narrow your college list to 3-5 schools. Choosing a College: Things to consider, College 101, Finding your Fit, Campus Life, Academic Life.

FALL SEMESTER

AUG:

• Visit your prospective 3-5 colleges’ websites. Research deadlines for applications and scholarships. Mark these dates on your calendar.
• Determine if you qualify for scholarships based on your current SAT or ACT scores. Decide if you need to take the SAT/ACT again (most scores are due by December 1). Research other Scholarship and Financial Aid information.

SEPT:

• Some Colleges require Counselor Report or School Reports-----NSA’s steps to get the School report/Academic information from a counselor.
• Common App is great at organizing your applications dates.
  • Find out if your school uses Common App or another program. If you are using Common App, use these instructions to add the guidance counselor to your Common App account.
  • Work on Applications: Ranking information and counselor information for applications.
• Request to send a transcript to colleges. Check with the college to find out the preferred method.

OCT:

• Write and finalize your essay for the application.
• Do you need a letter of recommendation? View NSA’s tips for letters of recommendations. If you need a letter from a counselor, follow the instructions on the document. If you need a letter from a teacher, please contact the teacher directly.

NOV:

• Begin financial aid:
  • Gather documents.
  • FAFSA
  • Scholarship and Financial Aid Information.

 DEC:

• Many scholarship/application deadlines fall around December 1. Be sure to check your deadlines!

SPRING SEMESTER

JAN/FEB:

• Mid-year reports to colleges. Plan to have your first semester completed, so you can send your first semester grades to your school(s).

APRIL:

• Review acceptance letters and send a copy to the guidance department.
• Compare schools, Make your final decision, and pay the deposit.

MAY:

• Notify schools you will not attend.
• Request application to graduate and diploma request (a week or two before last course finishes.)

JUNE:

• Request a transcript for the college that you have decided you will attend in the fall--needs to include all courses finished.

JULY:

• Rest and relax before college starts!