Caveat: This calendar includes many but not all dates that may be relevant to a particular student. It should not be relied upon for the purposes of a particular student’s college application.

Below is a list of the critical steps for the coming months with details on each of the linked “Read more” pages.

May 2011

•   Come up with a plan as to how/when you will discuss the college process as a family and how/when your family will discuss the process with others. Read more.

Summer 2011

•   Decide on specific days and times for working on your essay rough drafts.

•   Now is the time to remain open-minded. Check websites of a variety of schools, talk to friends, relatives and check sites like College Confidential, if interested.

•   June 4: SAT and Subject Tests. Take scheduled test according to plan. Read more.

September 2011

•   Ask the College Board to send your test scores to your target colleges.

•   Check your high school transcript for accuracy and to make sure you have completed all of the UC “a-g” requirements. Read more.

October 2011

•   October 1: SAT and Subject Tests.

•   Draft UC application. Spell-check by copying all information into a Word document.

•   Draft Common Application. Spell-check. Read more.

November 2011

•   Make copies of the UC and Cal State Applications and submit on-line before November 15. Avoid the computer backup that will occur closer to November 30.

•   November 5, 2011: SAT and Subject Tests. Read more.

December 2011

•   By December 1, telephone all regular admission target schools and make sure your application file is complete, making certain that your test scores are correct and your school report, transcripts, and letters of recommendation have been received. Some schools allow you to check this on-line.

•   December 3: SAT and Subject Tests. Read more.

January 2012

•   If you have not yet done so, file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) after December 31, but before February 1. Check to see if any target schools have other applicable dates.  Read more.

March 2012

•   The UCs and the CSUs will let you know their decisions during this month. If you do not receive admittance to the schools you like, begin the appeals process.

•   Many private colleges will let you know on March 30 (despite stated April 1 deadline). Read more.

April 2012

•   All schools will notify you by mid-April and most schools will let you know sooner.

•   Schedule an overnight visit with a student for those schools you are seriously considering.  Many schools have Accepted Student Days. Take advantage of this opportunity to be wooed. Make appointments with coaches and professors before you go. Read more.