Pre-College Timeline

Take advantage of a number of free online tests for career aptitude which will help guide you towards a career you are most suited for. Some suggestions are:
- Career Quiz
- Career Explorer

Consider these factors that will influence your college selection:
- How is God leading?
- What will it cost? What grant/scholarship/work study opportunities will I have? Minimizing or even eliminating all student debt by graduation will directly impact or limit your opportunities post-graduation.
- What type of institution is it? Public/Private/Liberal Arts/Christian/Special Focus/Community/Vocational-Technical
- Where is it located? Will I be able to go see family/my support community during short breaks? Will I have to adjust to the weather?
- Are there TCK (Third Culture Kids) resources/groups on campus?
- What is the student retention rate? Why do students transfer out?
- What input do significant people in my life have to say about this campus?
- What unique characteristics does each college I’m interested in have to offer?
- Will I be able to take an onsite tour of the campus? What are my impressions while there?
- What is the best fit for me?
Gain an understanding about how financial aid works
Focus on good grades
In the fall, consider/take the PSAT/NMSQT test for practice. This is a practice test for the SAT as well as a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. See College Transitions for a list of participating colleges.

Look at taking driver education classes
If possible, work part-time to save for college
Be involved in school, clubs and other extra-curricular activities. Consider seeking leadership positions as it will be considered favorably by the colleges you prefer.
Volunteer and log your hours to include in your college applications.

Begin narrowing your college search.
If you are academically eligible, take the PSAT/NMSQT test.
Begin preparing for the SAT or ACT. See College SAT/ACT Exam Prep for more details on selecting the right test. Work on improving any weak areas discovered during your PSAT.
Register for a spring test at a location convenient to you. See ACT.org.

Request more information and applications from colleges you are most interested in.
Begin scholarship research.

Take SAT or ACT test.
If possible, visit your highest ranked colleges. See the visit tips at My Future.
Plan to take Honor or AP courses during your high school senior year.

If possible, visit remaining colleges.
Contact teachers, coaches, and mentors for college recommendation letters.
If you are acquainted with upper classmen at your top choice colleges, visit with them about their experiences on campus.
Begin working on college applications. See suggestions on writing an essay. Ask a teacher or parent to proofread your essay.
Register for fall SAT or ACT testing. Many times, scores improve with a second or third test.

Mark your calendar with all important deadlines connected to applications. Note that different colleges will have different deadlines.
Take SAT or ACT test. Have test scores sent to your top four or more colleges.
Discuss with your parents what your financial approach will be in paying for college.
Submit college applications to your top choice schools, keeping a copy of each. Visit application fee waiver to explore ways to avoid the application fees ($50 average) when applying.
Collect pertinent tax information from the previous year to use in filing for financial aid.
On October 1, or soon thereafter, file your FAFSA and apply for scholarships at your top colleges.

Compare your financial aid offers from your top choice colleges. Feel free to contact financial aid advisors with any questions. If your first-choice college is the most expensive, then plan to negotiate with them to match or exceed the financial aid package offered by your second or third choice college.
Select your college of choice and send in your deposit.
Notify remaining colleges of your decision so they can plan accordingly.