COLLEGE READINESS TIMELINE
Grade 12 - Fall
Take the SAT/ACT Exam
After having the chance to study over the summer, you are ready to take these exams in the fall of your senior year. Just like when you took these exams earlier, your performance gets you on the radar of colleges--this becomes a really great way to learn about the variety of schools and programs out there.
Continue to Apply for Scholarships and Grants
Finish up the applications that you’ve already started and begin to look for new scholarships. Potential scholarships are numerous, and available in many different locations. Start with your Guidance Counselor. Search online for Scholarship Opportunities. Search on each colleges website. In addition, be sure to check out the Breakthrough College Scholarships page on this Portal. You’ll find some exclusive scholarships only available to Breakthrough alumni, as well as other special opportunities we are aware of. But search everywhere for scholarships!
Begin to Submit Applications
Application deadlines are fast approaching during the fall and winter. We hope you have already begun to fill out your applications, but if not, there’s still time. Make sure you submit all of the required materials to fulfill application requirements and make sure to meet all of the deadlines.
Need help? Contact your high school's college counselor for help. If you need additional support, contact our Alumni Success Team.
Prepare CSS Financial Aid Profile
In October, make sure you complete a CSS Financial Aid Profile form with your parent or guardian. If the colleges on your list require it, make sure you submit the form according to their stipulations.
Prepare FAFSA Document
Check with your colleges to find out the deadline for the FAFSA, as it may depend on the admission plan to which you apply.
Grade 12 - Winter
Submit FAFSA
Typically the FAFSA Document can be submitted beginning January 1 of your senior year with a deadline of February 15. However, if your college requires that you submit the form any sooner, please do so according to their timetable.
Scholarships and Grants
Continue to apply for grants and scholarships. This time is going to be very busy, but it will be important that you continue to submit solid applications. Check for mistakes and inaccuracies before hitting that submit button! (Note the deadline dates!)
Grade 12 - Spring
Review All Financial Awards
There will probably be several different types of financial aid information coming your way during this time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your resources include admission officers and financial aid personnel at the schools to which you’ve been accepted, as well as your guidance counselor.
Compare Your Acceptances
Congratulations on your acceptance into college! If you are fortunate enough to have been accepted into multiple programs, make sure you compare the offers. One offer might be better in regards to financial aid, while another might be your dream school!
This is the time to seriously consider your options and critically think about your best offer.
This is a great time to use your Breakthrough network. Want to talk with a Breakthrough alum who is in college? Want to talk to a volunteer who could be a sounding board as you reflect on pros and cons of your options? Contact our Alumni Success Team and we will happily make a connection for you.
Notify Colleges You Won’t Attend
If there are schools that you are certain you won’t attend, go ahead and notify the admission offices.
Commit to Your School
After you’ve evaluated all the offers from your schools, make the commitment to the school that’s best for you.
If you did not find a school that fit you this time around, or were not able to cover enough costs, take the time to plan some next steps:
Do you still want to attend college this time around? A gap year might be beneficial to you.
Do you plan to attend one year at a college that isn’t your ideal choice and plan to transfer schools?
What are you going to do in regards to scholarships you’ve already received? See if you can keep them until next year or if you can take funds with you to another school.
Want to talk this over with someone? Contact your Alumni Success Team!
Time to Say “Thank you”
Think about the people who’ve helped you get to this point. This is a terrific time to let them know your educational plans and to convey your appreciation. This kind of follow up strengthens your network, too.
Summer Before College
Find a Job
Before you begin school, try to save up some money for your expenditures coming up at school. This can be very helpful when you’re in a pinch financially. Even small amounts can be very helpful!
Attend Orientation
Your school will provide you with orientation information. Attending these activities is a key step in your successful transition to college.
Send Final High School Transcripts
You’ll be required to send your final high school transcript to your college. Make sure you provide this information in a timely manner or your acceptance may be rescinded.
Review Financial Aid Tasks
You may have scholarships that fall outside of your college’s offered financial aid packages. If it is necessary, make sure you let your school know that a scholarship will be paying for a portion of your costs. If you plan to take out loans, make sure you complete and sign any necessary paperwork.
Arrange Your First Tuition Payment
It is important that you make sure that your first tuition payment is ready to be made. If you wait too long in arranging this, fees can accrue and your school may not allow you to register for courses.
Apply for a Work-Study Position
It may be too early to do this, but see if you can put in an application to work at your school for a part-time job. You may have been awarded a work-study position as part of your financial aid package. Or, you may pursue other part-time work. This is an excellent way to help pay tuition costs or to simply save money for spending costs.
Get Bank Account Set Up
You will increasingly need access to your own money and funds. If you haven’t done so yet, set up a bank account. It might be helpful to make an account with a bank that is close to your campus. This will give you access to ATMs and tellers specific to the banking service you’ve chosen.
Begin Packing and Making Travel Plans
There will be a lot of things you need to bring to school. Begin thinking about the items you want to bring and make a list.. Be sure to make travel arrangements to your school that give you plenty of time to move in, attend orientation, etc.
Get Help Along the Way
You've made it to the end of the College Readiness Timeline steps. But please know, this is simply a rough guide, and there is no substitute for working with people who can help! Be sure to work closely with your high school's college counselor(s), and never hesitate to contact our Alumni Success Team directly at the following link.