April To-Dos

Be sure to take advantage of virtual college events.

Seniors

Plan to visit or revisit colleges (virtually or in-person) as you make your final decision about where to matriculate next year.
Be sure to send your deposit and housing forms by the deadline of May 1 to secure your spot at a college. Some colleges offer the best housing to those who deposit first so bear this in mind.
Let your teachers and counselors who wrote recommendations know of your decision and be sure to thank them for their support.
Keep your grades up and avoid any disciplinary issues—college admissions offers can be rescinded.

Juniors

Schedule the SAT and/or the ACT. Unless you are a strong standardized test taker or plan to apply test-optional, make arrangements to study through a course, tutor, or a free online website such as Khan Academy.
By now you should have completed a self-assessment of your grades, interests, and future goals and met with your consultant to develop an initial list of colleges. Continue researching your list and arrange visits (virtual or in-person) over the spring and summer—particularly if your fall will be occupied with extracurricular activities.
Begin to think about which two junior year academic teachers you will ask for recommendations to support your college applications.
Update or start a resume of activities. Do you have enough to engage you? If not, think about what interests you and how you might get involved.

Sophomores

Make careful choices for your junior year courses and sketch out your preferred options for senior year to be sure you are tracking toward your goals.
Take both a practice SAT and ACT when school is out in June, and then sketch out a plan for which standardized tests you will take in the coming year and when, or if applying test-optional makes more sense for you.

All Students

Finalize summer activities such as paid or volunteer work, an enrichment course, or learn new skills. You could earn a lifeguard certification, learn to paint, or improve your computer skills. Keep reading and writing.