How do I research colleges and when do I start applying? College research should start during your junior year in high school and continue through the application process of your senior year. During your junior year in high school there are many easy steps you should start taking to prepare yourself for college. Use the schedule below to keep yourself on track.

Junior Year

August and September

• Begin to identify and apply for scholarships. Start with your high school counselor's office and ask for a list of available scholarships.
• Search scholarship websites.
• Identify 3-5 adults such as a teacher, employer, coach and/or community leader whom you can ask for a recommendation letter. You will recommendation letters for your scholarship applications, as well as your college application.

October

• Take the PSAT to practice for the SAT I and to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.
• Attend college fairs to meet college recruiters and ask questions. Periodically ask your school counselor for the dates college recruiters will be at your high school.

November - December

• Explore the college websites that interest you and download the applications for admissions and financial aid forms or call the admissions office and request a admission packet be sent to you.
• Discuss your college entrance test results and grades with your counselor or advisor to determine your options.

January - May:

• Develop a list of 10-15 colleges by identifying the characteristics that matter to you such as; size, geographic location, academic rigor, social environment and/or diversity.
• Check with your college choices to see if they prefer or require - the ACT, SAT I, SAT II, TOEFL or none of them.
• Register to take the ACT, SAT I, SAT II and/or TOEFL.
• If you play a sport or musical instrument and may qualify for a scholarship; contact coaches or faculty at colleges you are considering to discuss your options.

May - June

• Take AP tests if eligible.
• Plan to take the June ACT, SAT I, or SAT II Subject Tests if you want to apply to colleges early or if you are applying to selective schools.
• Continue to research scholarship possibilities.

Summer

• Find a summer job that will boost your skills and college savings.
• If you haven't already, visit campuses.
• Work on college essays.
• Begin filling out your college applications.
• Type your resume with job history, activities, honors and leadership positions. You'll need this information for applications.

Senior Year

September

• Take at least four solid courses including the classes you need to get into the colleges of your choice. Check to be sure you are on track for graduation AND college requirements.
• Review your final list of colleges with your counselor and parents and continue working on admissions and financial aid applications. Review and know application deadlines.

October

• Take or register for the ACT and/or SAT I for the second time, if necessary.
• Mail early-action or early-decision applications. Request that your transcripts and test results be sent to your colleges.
• Continue researching and working on scholarships.

November

• Apply to the colleges by Thanksgiving. For "rolling admissions schools," the sooner you send in your materials, the better. Finish writing your essays. Have adults proofread your applications, essays and check for neatness and completeness. Keep a copy of everything you send to colleges.
• If you applied through Early Decision, notify the college about any honors you have received since you submitted your application, along with your most recent transcripts.

December

• Register yourself and your parents for a PIN # (Personal Identification Number). It's free and is required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Begin working with your parents on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application form. Hint: You will not be able to submit it until after January 1, but it helps to be prepared!
• Relax and enjoy your winter break with friends and family!

January

• Complete your FAFSA. For help, attend a local College Goal Sunday event. A free financial aid expert can help you and your parents. Remind your parents to finish their taxes early because most colleges want copies of your parents' tax return forms with the financial aid application. Some colleges may also require the CSS/Profile or their own college financial aid application.
• Check with your high school counselor to ensure your 7th semester transcripts have been submitted to all the colleges or universities that you are interested in attending.

March

• ATTENTION! Most New Mexico colleges and universities have a March 1 priority deadline. Work closely with the financial aid office to ensure all documents are completed.
• Verify that your 7th semester transcripts have been received.

April

• You are almost finished! If you have not received a decision on an application, follow up with that college. If you have been wait-listed, contact the college admissions office to express your interest.
• Compare financial aid award letters/offers and make your final decision.

May

• May 1: Deadline to inform all colleges that accepted you regarding whether you plan to attend or not.
• Send your deposit to the college you selected.
• Send thank you cards to the people who helped you with letters of recommendation and other support.
• You will begin receiving registration materials this month.
• Decide details related to housing.

June

• Take Advanced Placement tests if eligible.
• It's never too late! Take the June ACT, SAT I, or SAT II Subject Tests if you want to apply to colleges or if you are applying to selective schools.
• Continue to research scholarship possibilities. Review the New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship requirements.
• Ask your high school counselor to send a copy of your final high school transcript to the colleges that you are interested in attending.

Summer

• Find a summer job that will boost your skills and college savings.
• Check with college registrar's office to ensure your high school transcripts have arrived.
• Review all college related material to make sure that everything (financial aid, applications, housing, etc.) is complete prior to heading to campus.
• Make sure that all of your college-related questions have been answered.
• Update your resume with new job history, activities, honors and leadership positions.