September

  • Take the ACT® this month (if you want to improve your test scores).
  • Select a college major. Consider not only your interests but your skills, talents, and personality. How will a particular major help you capitalize on your natural talents and interests?
  • Plan to work on application essays 10 hours or more per week. Essays are the most time consuming part of the application process; start to think about essay topics and begin writing essay rough drafts as soon as possible.
  • If you’re interested in attending one of the Military Academies, start the application process immediately. Note that ROTC scholarship applications are due in December and January.
  • Register for the SAT Subject Tests™ scheduled in November (if you want to improve your test scores).
  • Determine if interviews are REQUIRED for college admission and/or scholarships. If so, schedule interviews with college admission officers as soon as possible. Many colleges require interviews to be conducted two to four weeks BEFORE early action or early decision applications are due.
  • Schedule auditions if your college major is one of the performing arts. Auditions (and sometimes interviews) are required of students applying as performing arts or music majors. Research deadlines for conducting auditions and interviews; as soon as possible, contact your major department at each college you will apply to and schedule auditions and/or interviews. Work with your parents to make travel and lodging arrangements, if necessary.
  • Finalize your list of teachers, counselors, coaches, employers, community members, or other adults you will ask for letters of recommendation.
  • Order 12 "official copies" of your high school transcripts (and community college transcripts, if you took a class). Open one transcript to see if your grades are accurate. Correct any mistakes immediately.