College Search Timeline

Fall of Your Junior Year

  • Take the PSAT
  • Start making a list of colleges you are interested in, especially from those recommended as faithful Catholic colleges by the Newman Society
  • Start coming up with a standardized testing plan
  • Begin looking at financial aid options

Winter and Spring of Your Junior Year

  • Continue to look for scholarships, ask colleges about special scholarship weekends or competitions
  • Narrow down your list of colleges and set dates to visit during the spring
  • Take the SAT/ACT/CLT

Summer Between Your Junior and Senior Years

  • Attend a summer “experience” at one or more colleges that you’re interested in

Fall of Your Senior Year

  • Re-take standardized tests if you need to raise your score
  • Get letters of recommendation
  • Application essays, recommendations and forms
  • Complete applications

Winter and Spring of Your Senior Year

  • Submit FAFSA form for aid as soon as possible after Oct. 1st
  • Compete in the Newman Society’s $5,000 Essay Scholarship Contest
  • Complete any last-minute applications
  • Compare your options and decide!
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