Freshman Year
The goal for freshman year is to help students adjust to the opportunities and challenges of high school, to learn more about themselves, and to become familiar with their Advisory Group, their Advisor, and the Upper School College Guidance Program.
Sophomore Year
In the sophomore year students learn about national standardized testing and how to evaluate the results. Students take the PSAT for practice in the fall of the Tenth Grade. Students are encouraged to choose their courses and to participate in extra-curricular activities wisely. Sophomores have the opportunity to participate in the college trip that visits a representative sample of different types of colleges and universities.
Junior Year
October
- Take PSAT
January
- Begin to consider what type of school interests you.
- Take SAT and ACT, once each before the spring.
- Decide on what type of prep course is right for you.
Spring
- Take the May or June tests of each the SAT and ACT.
- Arrange individual meetings with College Guidance Office.
Summer
- Tour prospective schools.
- Take SAT or ACT in June. Most students earn their highest scores in June.
Senior Year
June - August
- Be familiar with the websites and application process for potential schools. Be familiar with each school's deadline and the specific definition of the deadline for that individual school.
- Apply for a PIN number from http://FAFSA.ed.gov. The Application for Federal Student Aid must be completed for any type of financial aid, including federal loans, to be awarded to a student.
August - September
- Arrange individual meetings with College Guidance Office with a list of schools to which your child will apply
- Schedule interviews and campus visits.
- Be sure the College Board and the ACT have the correct schools to which they will send score reports. Official scores can only be sent from these offices.
September
- Recommendation forms and Secondary School Report forms should be given to the Guidance Office. These forms are found within the online application.
- Be sure that student's name is clearly written on each. Be sure to pay close attention to which forms need student signatures.
- Save copies of graded English papers. Some schools require a graded paper from this year's English class.
- Take SAT and ACT if necessary.
November
- Check status of student's applications online.
December
- Be sure to notify the College Counselor if a school requests a mid-year grade report.
January
- Check status of student's application at receiving school. Inform CCS College Counselor of any problems.
- Finish the FAFSA application online.
February
- Colleges and universities begin to read and evaluate applications.
March
- Most schools notify students of acceptances.
To see a college preparation calendar posted by the National Association of College Admission Counseling, click here.
