Quick Answer: Start exploring colleges in sophomore year, begin active preparation in junior year (test prep, visits), and complete applications in fall of senior year (October-January).
Detailed Timeline
Freshman Year (9th Grade)
- Focus on academics - build strong study habits
- Explore extracurricular activities
- No formal college prep needed yet
Sophomore Year (10th Grade)
- Begin casual college research
- Take PSAT for practice
- Deepen extracurricular involvement
- Start thinking about potential majors
Junior Year (11th Grade) - Critical Year
Fall:
- Take PSAT/NMSQT (October)
- Begin serious college research
- Plan standardized test schedule
Winter/Spring:
- Take SAT/ACT (March-May)
- Visit colleges during spring break
- Build relationships with teachers for recommendations
Summer:
- Begin drafting personal essay
- Finalize college list
- Request recommendations
Senior Year (12th Grade)
Key Deadlines:
- November 1-15: Early Decision/Early Action deadlines
- December: Early decisions released
- January 1-15: Most Regular Decision deadlines
- March-April: Regular decisions released
- May 1: Commitment deadline
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