_____ Take the PSAT (offered here at school 10/12/05)

JANUARY

_____ Evaluate PSAT results; begin selecting dates to take SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests

_____ Create initial list of colleges using internet or College Guidebooks in office

SPRING

_____ Begin making College lists

_____ Attend local college fairs

_____ Register for SAT or ACT if not done earlier

_____ Begin writing college essay; get it critiqued by teachers, parents, and peers

_____ Request information and applications from colleges

_____ Begin visiting campuses on your list

_____ Ask teachers for letters of recommendation, prepare resume/brag sheet

SENIOR YEAR TIMELINE

SUMMER

_____ Individual meetings with Mr. Carnahan during Summer Phase. If not on grounds be sure to make other arrangements to meet.

_____ Analyze SAT results; plan additional testing dates as needed

_____ Continue visiting campuses

_____ Attend a summer school program, work, or complete community service

_____ Narrow down college list; analyze categories (high reach, average, security)

_____ Begin preparing financial aid documents; research scholarships

September 12
Students should have contacted all colleges to which they plan to apply for copies of application materials. Students can also apply online or download applications; however, they should be familiar with the requirements of each college’s application by this date.

September 26
All seniors and their parents if necessary should have completed the interview with Mr. Carnahan by this date.

October 1
Students must have their college essays read and critiqued by a member of the English department. Once the essay is finalized, it should be submitted to the Guidance Office.

October 1
This is the deadline to request transcripts for Early Decision and Early Action applications. These applications are typically due by November 1. This is also the deadline for requesting letters of recommendation from teachers for applications that are due on or before November 1.

During the week of October 10
Students who are mailing applications that are due between November 1 and 15 must schedule an appointment during this week with Mr. Carnahan. Students should be prepared to submit all elements of their application packet at the time of their appointment.

October 14
This is the deadline to request transcripts for Early Decision and Early Action applications that are due between November 16 and November 30. It is also the deadline to request letters of recommendation for applications that are due on or before November 30.

During the week of October 17
During this week, students who plan to send applications that are due between November 16 - 30 must make an appointment with Mr. Carnahan.

November 7
This is the deadline for requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation for applications that are due between December 1 - 15.

During the week of November 14
During this week, students who plan to send applications that are due between December 1 - 15 must make an appointment with Mr. Carnahan.

November 21
This is the deadline for requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation for applications that are due between December 15 and January 7.

December 5
This is the deadline for requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation for applications that are due between January 8 - 31.

During the week of November 28
During this week, students who plan to send applications that are due between December 15 and January 7 must make an appointment with Mr. Carnahan.

During the week of December 5
During this week, students who plan to send applications that are due between January 8 - 31 must make an appointment with Mr. Carnahan.

January 9
This is the deadline for requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation for applications that are due on February 1 or later.

During the week of January 9
During this week, students who plan to send applications that are due on February 1 or later must make an appointment with Mr. Carnahan.

In order to ensure the completeness of a students’ application, he should schedule a meeting with Mr. Carnahan before the application is mailed. Please see the list below to familiarize yourself with the elements of a completed application.

A completed application includes:
application form
addressed envelope (envelopes available in Mr. Carnahan’s office)
required fee
transcript
teacher recommendation(s)
counselor recommendation
resume
essay(s)

Please note:
In the case that a student has applied online, he should provide a copy of the application form for his Guidance Office file. He should inform the Guidance Office of the additional materials that must be mailed from Saint Benedict’s to each college and he should address envelopes to each of those institutions. Some schools actively encourage students to apply online by waiving the application fee when a student uses an online application. Check the colleges’ websites to see if the schools you are applying to offer this incentive.