September To-Do List

Stay on track this fall with a to-do list.

• Finalize your main essay and complete your Common Application so you may begin focusing on your supplementary essays.
• Finalize your college list, consider Early Decision and Early Action plans, and schedule interviews, if offered.  
• Schedule interviews where available on campus or via Zoom.
• If you are applying early by November 1 or to a rolling admissions college, complete the following by October 1st or earlier.
  • If you are submitting scores and the college does not accept self-reported scores, send your official test scores via College Board or ACT,
  • Request transcripts
  • Confirm that your recommendations will be sent by the deadline.
• Parents: Register for an FSA ID in preparation for completing the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department of Education is overhauling it, and thus, it will be available later than the usual October 1 date. The CSS Profile will be available on October 1, as in the past.

• Sign up and take the October PSAT unless you have decided the ACT is your test.
• Sketch out a plan, including a schedule for which standardized tests you plan to take in the coming year, such as SAT, ACT, or AP tests.
• If you are eligible for accommodations at school, such as extended time, apply early to College Board and ACT for accommodations on standardized tests.
• Visit at least one college this fall (remote or in-person), attend the information session, and go on the tour or an open house to begin educating yourself about colleges and the admissions process.

Learn more about how we guide students in their college journeys by scheduling an introductory interview with a college admission consultant.