- Re-read Covenant’s Handbook on College Advising.
- Register by August for the September ACT and/or the October SAT Reasoning Tests. The deadlines will be in late summer.
- Visit and interview at a mix of colleges and universities – include reaches, matches, and safeties.
- Complete, where possible, the Common Application found at www.commonapp.org. On Family Connection, complete and submit the Important Notice for Common Application (on FC, go to ‘about me’ > ‘my colleges’.)
- Write the Common Application activities essay.
- Draft and revise a response to one of the five 500-word Common Application essay topics.
- Begin drafts of the forms and the essays for at least one non-common application school.
- Begin the drafts of your applications to colleges or universities that are rolling-admission institutions.
- Complete your activities sheet (aka your résumé) using the table format given you at the Junior Orientation.
- If interested in seeking merit scholarships, research all the merit aid programs at each of the schools to which you will apply and, to the extent possible, prepare your applications for those scholarships. See also the References page on this College-Advising webpage.
If you plan to pursue athletics in college, complete the following tasks:
- send each college coach a cover letter, resume, and game schedule
- complete all athletic questionnaires
- send video tapes
- send transcripts with grades and test scores
- arrange for official visits
- discuss any financial aid issues with your parents and the colleges
- prepare to make a decision on which college to which you’ll apply early