The college application process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into manageable steps makes all the difference. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you stay on track from junior year through application season.

Junior Year:

Throughout your Junior Year

Focus on keeping your grades strong: Attend SPP’s Learning Lounge regularly to receive extra support on all subjects!
Complete Spanish 3 (or other academic goals that strengthen your transcript): Need help with these harder classes? SPP’s private tutoring can help!
Gain meaningful volunteer or extracurricular experiences: Join SPP’s Activities List Curation to jumpstart your application early!
Keep up to date with SPP’s College Admissions Counseling (CAC) Blog for more content related to College Admissions and SAT/ ACT test prep.

August

Begin SAT or ACT test prep: Check out SPPs 1:1 & Group Test Prep Courses!
Career exploration: Explore career interests to start shaping your college and major options.

September – December

Take the SAT/ ACT: Take the test 1-3 times during this window, depending on your testing plan.

January

Study for finals: Focus on preparing for finals to keep your GPA competitive. Ace your exams with SPP’s final review sessions - hosted before most high school finals!

February

Start your list: Begin building your college list (or continue refining it if you’ve already started).

March – April

Narrow your list: Continue researching and narrowing down your list of schools.

May

Take AP exams: Prepare for AP exams to show colleges your mastery of advanced coursework. Join SPP’s AP review sessions for the extra prep to excel on your AP Exams!

June

Start college apps: With AP classes wrapped up, use any free time to start early work on college applications.

Senior Year:

June – July

Write your biggest essay: Begin writing your personal statement. Aim to have a strong draft by the end of July. Attend SPP’s Personal Statement Launch Workshop to make real progress on your essay in just one day.
Finalize your list: Narrow down your list to your top reach, attainable, and safety schools.

August

Start the Common App: Add schools to the Common App and begin filling out your information.
Write your supplemental essays: Begin working on supplemental essays for each college.

September – October

Finalize your apps: Continue polishing essays and completing applications.
Apply for financial aid: FAFSA application opens October 1st and is awared on a first-come, first-served basis
Keep your grades up: Don’t forget SPP’s Final Review Sessions are here to help you succeed at finals week!

November

Submit your applications: CONGRATS! You did it!!

December-March

Don’t let ‘Senioritis’ set in: Remember SPP’s Learning Lounge gives you access to a subject matter expert so you can ask questions about your homework!

March-April

Acceptance letters arrive: Time to start making your decisions!

May

Pick your college: Regular decision date for most colleges is May 1st
Take AP exams: Earn college credit with a 3, 4, or 5 on your AP Test. Join SPP’s AP review sessions for the extra practice and confidence you’ll need on test day!

June

Get Financial Aid: If you haven’t already, apply for FAFSA as the deadline is June 30th

July-August

Plan for College: College is a big leap; we help students land on their feet! SPP’s College Success program supports students through the transition into adulthood without letting their academics slip.
Check out SPP’s Success in College Blog for packing lists, important conversations to have before college, and how 30% of college freshman don’t come back for their sophomore year.

By starting early and pacing yourself throughout the year, you’ll reduce stress and head into senior year with confidence. At Seven Points Prep, we help students stay on track with timelines like this, while also providing personalized guidance on essays, applications, and test prep.