TIMELINE:

Steps to College Admissions

AUGUST:

-Get a draft of your college list.

-Register for SAT and ACT.

OCTOBER:

- Begin searching for scholarships

-Complete essay/resume.

-Take the SAT and/or ACT.

EARLY NOVEMBER:

-Continue searching for scholarships

-Ask for letters of recommendation.

-Finalize your college list.

BEFORE CHRISTMAS:

-College applications should be finished!!

- Continue seaching for scholarships

JANUARY:

-Fill out the FAFSA!  Also fill out other financial aid forms like the CSS Profile, if necessary.

  -Continue seaching for scholarships

FEBRUARY:

  -Continue seaching for scholarships

MARCH:

  -Continue seaching for scholarships

  -Admission decisions arrive.

BY MAY 1:

-Make your college decision!

MAY/JUNE:

-Fill out housing, medical and loan forms.

JUNE:

-Students leave for summer prep programs.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER:

-Begin college!!

College Fairs

College Fairs are a convenient way to gather information about a large number of schools in a short amount of time. Each year the New England Association of College Adimissons Counselors (NACAC) sponsors a fall and spring college fair. The fall fair is scheduled in mid-October and takes place at CCRI or RIC. The spring fair takes place at the Rhode Island Convention Center and is held on or around our spring vacation. Fliers are handed out in school and available on the College Planning Center of RI website.

College Visits

Admissions representatives from nearly fifty colleges and universities throughout the northeast have visited or are scheduled to visit seniors in the guidance office this fall. It's a chance for your son or daughter to sit down with an individual who can offer an in depth, expert perspective on the school they represent. College choice is often a daunting decision for students and parents. Gaining information can help to ease the process.

Early Decision and Early Action

Students who applied to college under the Early Decision format, please remember that agreements are binding. Many of you had November deadlines and will be hearing from colleges as early as January. If you  are accepted and submit a deposit, the college has the right to keep the deposit should you decide against attending the institution.

Students who applied to college under the Early Action format should also be hearing from colleges as early as January. These decisions are not binding.