Getting ready for college can feel overwhelming, especially while you’re still trying to balance all the fun activities of senior year. Between applications, campus tours and figuring out what you want to study, it’s easy to lose track of what needs to happen when.
With a little planning, you can stay on top of everything. Here’s a guide, complete with tentative deadlines, that walks you through preparing for college, year by year.
1. Talk to Your High School & College Counselor(s)
Timeline: Throughout high school, especially senior year
Your guidance counselor is one of your best resources during your college search. They can help you:
- Pick classes that align with your post-high school goals
- Identify colleges with strong programs in your areas of interest
- Share scholarship opportunities and important deadlines
- Review your academic record and help you understand your options
- Create a personalized timeline for applications, financial aid and standardized tests
They can help provide you with a roadmap with all the deadlines and paperwork you need; however, it’s up to you to complete and double-check all that information.
And don’t hesitate to email or call colleges directly if you have questions — it’s always better to ask than to miss an important deadline!
2. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
Timeline: All four years of high school — but it’s never too late to start senior year
Colleges want to know who you are beyond your grades. Whether it’s a club, a job, a sport or community service, extracurricular activities show that you’re curious, engaged and willing to take initiative.
Try to take on leadership roles and explore activities that align with your interests or potential majors. These experiences help you grow as a person and teach teamwork, communication and leadership — qualities that colleges and employers value.
Remember, these aren’t just for your resume. Extracurriculars are opportunities to learn about yourself, how to interact with others and about what you’re passionate about. They help you become the best version of yourself.
3. Start Researching Colleges
Timeline: During junior year
During your junior year, begin researching universities that match your goals and interests. Every school offers something different, from class sizes and campus culture to cost and location.
Ask yourself:
- Do you want a large, competitive school like a Big Ten university?
- Or would you prefer a smaller, more personalized experience like at UIS?
Larger universities often offer exciting sports programs and busy campus life, while smaller campuses tend to provide closer connections and more individual attention. Decide which environment will help you succeed. You can use websites like Start.edu, Niche and CollegeVine to help you compare your choices. Have a list of schools you would like to explore by the end of your junior year.
4. Register, Practice for, and Take the ACT or SAT
Timeline: End of junior year
No public universities in Illinois require you to submit your ACT or SAT scores. However, if you have a private or out-of-state institution on your list of schools, you should take the test(s).
Start preparing in your junior year so you can take the test before senior year begins — and retake it if you want to improve your score.
These scores do not determine your future, nor does your GPA. However, your GPA and test scores, combined with your extracurriculars, let the university paint a picture of who you are and if you would fit in at their institution.
5. Talk to Your Family and Finalize Your College List
Timeline: Summer before senior year and throughout the entire process
Before you start applying, take time to talk through your choices with your family, counselor or a trusted teacher. Discuss finances, location and your overall comfort level with each school.
Getting advice from people who know you well can help you make confident, informed decisions.
6. Visit Colleges You’re Interested In
Timeline: Spring of junior year up to Fall of senior year
Once you have a list of potential schools, plan your college visits. Most universities host visit days with campus tours and admissions presentations. If those dates don’t fit your schedule, you can almost always arrange an individual tour with the admissions office.
During your visit, notice how people interact and what the overall campus energy feels like. You’ll get a sense of whether it feels like “home.”
And yes — most students bring their parents or another trusted adult along, and that’s perfectly normal!
7. Fill Out College Applications
Timeline: Fall of senior year
This is when organization really matters. Make a list of every school you plan to apply to, along with their official application deadlines.
Many universities set deadlines between November and February, but always check each school’s website to confirm.
Stay on top of required materials — essays, recommendation letters, transcripts — and give yourself extra time to proofread before submitting. Most schools do not accept late applications.
8. Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)
Timeline: Early fall of senior year
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) usually opens in early fall. Most universities require a completed FAFSA before you can receive financial aid.
While the federal deadline is typically in early summer, many schools and states have earlier priority deadlines, so aim to submit your FAFSA as soon as possible.
Don’t wait — schools often distribute financial aid funds on a first-come, first-served basis.
9. Search and Apply for Scholarships
Timeline: Throughout senior year
Scholarships are an excellent way to reduce student debt. Start with local scholarships, your counselor probably has a list, then move on to state and national scholarships you can find online.
Many scholarships have deadlines between November and March, so set reminders and stay organized.
10. Review Your College Acceptances and Make a Decision
Timeline: Spring of senior year
Once you’ve received your acceptance letters, review each offer carefully. Compare financial aid packages, campus environments and academic opportunities.
Then, accept your offer of admission to your chosen school (feel free to let the other schools know that you have made another choice) and get ready for an exciting new chapter in your life!
The college planning doesn’t stop after you accept your offer letter. Don’t forget to apply for housing, register for classes and pay your bill according to your university’s deadlines. Staying proactive through these final steps ensures a smooth transition into college life and sets you up for success from day one.
Plan early, ask questions and take time to explore your options. Your future is waiting — and it starts with one step at a time.