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Preparing for college

Practical advice for selecting the right college, nailing your exams, navigating the application process, and choosing your major.

College prep 101

Budgeting for college application fees and other college prep costs

How much are application fees for college? Find out what costs to expect in terms of college applications, admission exams, transcripts, and more.

ACT® vs. SAT® test: What's the difference?

Learn the differences between the ACT and SAT tests with Discover Student Loans. Understanding the exams may help you decide which to take and how to best prepare.

7 tips on how to choose a school for undecided majors

Getting ready for college but haven't decided your major yet? Read these tips on starting school with an undecided major, from Discover Student Loans.
Budgeting for college application fees and other college prep costs
ACT® vs. SAT® test: What's the difference?

Monthly Reminder:

    january

    Verify that all documents have been sent

    Double-check with your counselor that your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other documents have been sent to all the colleges you applied to for regular admissions.

    Submit your grades

    Send your most recent grades to the schools you applied to. Admission counselors will take them into consideration when making their decision, especially if your grades improved.

    Last chance. Submit your application

    Some colleges have late application deadlines. If any of the colleges on your list have deadlines in early February, send those applications out as soon as possible.

    february

    Check on applications

    Follow up with the colleges you applied to make sure they received any paperwork you submitted online.

    Write your thank-you notes

    Get a jump start on those thank-yous while you have some down time. Make sure to thank your mentors, teachers, coaches, and counselors who helped along the way.

    Plan campus visits

    Tours fill up quickly over spring break. If you need to visit or revisit a school, start planning your campus visit now. 

    march

    Decision Day is approaching

    National College Decision Day (May 1) will be here before you know it. Start a list of pros and cons for each college that accepted you to help you make your final decision.

    Schedule a campus visit

    If possible, make plans to visit schools again—either virtually or in person.

    Look for summer jobs

    Hiring for summer jobs begin as early as spring. Now is a good time to work on your résumé, get any necessary certifications, and let people know you’re searching. You’d be surprised by what you may find from word-of-mouth recommendations.

    april

    Time to make a decision

    You have until the end of the month to choose which school you’ll be attending in the fall.

    Talk to your parents and counselor

    Using your pros and cons list, sit down with your parents and counselor to discuss which school is the best fit. You have until Decision Day (May 1) to express your intent to attend.

    Study for your AP® exams

    AP exams are typically administered the first two weeks in May. If enrolled in AP classes, this is your last chance to score well and earn some college credits. 

    may

    Notify schools of your intent

    Once you’ve made your decision, notify the other schools that you will not be attending. 

    Send your final transcripts

    Ask your school to send your final transcripts to your college, if required.

    Register for college orientation

    Make sure you sign up for your school’s orientation. It could make the transition to college easier in the fall and you will learn more about your school.

    june

    Master basic life skills

    If you haven’t already, learn about basic life skills you’ll need to make living on your own easier. The basics include doing your laundry, preparing simple, microwavable meals, and keeping your space clean.

    Get ready for freshman orientation

    Orientation is a great introduction to college life. Be sure to check your mail and email because your school will send you information and a list of items you need to complete before attending.

    Start searching for a college roommate

    Give yourself plenty of time to find a roommate if you don’t want your school to select one for you. Use social media to search for freshman going to your school who share similar interests.  

    july

    Connect with your roommate(s)

    Talk to you roommate(s) to identify items you can each share in your dorm room and coordinate who’s bringing what. This will help eliminate duplicates and cut down on the stuff you bring into a small space.

    Shop for college supplies and dorm room essentials

    Before you head to the stores, check with your school’s residential life office for a list of items you’ll need and items not to bring. 

    Have fun with your friends

    Summer might be your last chance with friends before everyone goes off in different directions. Spend time with them creating lasting memories.

    august

    Start packing for college

    College move-in day is around the corner and it’s time to start packing. Check out our packing cheat-sheet to help you identify your college must-have-items.

    Spend time with your family

    Spend as much time as possible with your family, doing the things you love to do with them and checking off items on your family bucket list before you head off to college. 

    september

    Check in with your guidance counselor

    Meet with your counselor to make sure you’re meeting all your requirements to graduate and know exactly what you must do to finish your high school career strong.

    Ask for letters of recommendation

    If you haven’t already, ask teachers and other mentors for letters of recommendation for college. Pick adults who have an intimate knowledge of your work and can write with specificity.

    Get eyes on your college essays

    Once you’ve written what feels like your final drafts, give them to trusted mentors for feedback.

    Register to take your SAT® or ACT® exam

    If you haven’t already, register to take one or both exams before college applications are due. Check College Board® and ACT for upcoming dates and deadlines.

    Attend College Fairs

    Ask your counselor which admissions reps are visiting your high school for informational sessions or college fairs, and set up time to meet with the colleges you’re interested in.

    october

    Finalize your college list

    Narrow down the list of colleges you plan to apply to and discuss your school options and finances with your parents.

    Review college applications

    Look at requirements for all the schools where you plan on applying. Apply to at least one reach, target, and safety school. Don’t forget to consider each school’s sticker price.

    Complete your early decision or early action applications

    If you are applying early, verify your due dates. Submission deadlines are typically between November 1 and 15. 

    Request your transcripts

    Ask your school to send your transcripts to each college you’re applying to. It’s a good idea to first review your transcript for accuracy before they are sent out.

    november

    Focus on your high school grades

    Finish the semester strong and study hard for your upcoming mid-terms/end of semester exams. It’s important to continue to maintain good grades and improve any that need it.

    Work on your regular admission applications

    If you are applying for regular admission or even rolling admission, verify your due dates and start completing your applications. Submission deadlines are typically early January, but some may be sooner. 

    Double-check that all application documents have been sent

    Verify with your counselor that your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other documents have been sent to the colleges you applied to for early decision or early action.

    december

    Complete your regular admission applications

    Stay on top of your deadlines for regular admission applications. While timelines vary, most applications are due the beginning of January but some may be sooner. 

    Look for early decision and early action acceptances

    If you applied early decision and early action, acceptance letters may be coming in. If you got in early decision, make sure to withdraw applications from other colleges you applied to.

    Tour your early decision and early action schools

    If you didn’t have a chance to visit or would like to take a second look, make plans with the admission office to see the school in person. 

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