Career and College Timeline

FRESHMAN YEAR

• Take the ACT-EXPLORE® in the fall (includes career inventory)
• With counselor, create a high school curriculum to satisfy college and career goals
• Computer I – gain access to myDreamExplorer®
• Explore career pathways and start an Educational Development Plan
• Attend Career Day (offered biannually)

SOPHOMORE YEAR

• Take the ACT-PLAN® in the fall (includes career inventory)
• Update high school curriculum to satisfy college and career goals with counselor
• Research colleges and financing – www.collegeboard.com; www.wiredscholar.com
• Enhance Educational Development Plan – include extracurricular activities, community service, honors and awards

JUNIOR YEAR

• Read the Counselors; Notes – every week, all year

       Fall

• Take PSAT/NMSQT® – at Regina High School (all students preregistered)
• Sign up, meet with chosen college representative at Regina and attend college fairs – list of college fairs and information sessions at www.macrao.org
• Parents attend evening “Information Session” with counselors – students may attend
• Research more colleges, financing, gather information via college fairs, internet, and college rep. visits to Regina High School

       Early Spring

• Register for the SAT®/SAT Subject Tests™ (optional) – at outside test sites
• Take the MME™ (Michigan Merit Exam – 3 days of tests including ACT Plus Writing®, WorkKeys®, and subject area assessments) – at Regina High School (all students preregistered)

       Late Spring

• Take the SAT®/SAT Subject Tests™ (optional); Retake the ACT® (optional) – at outside test sites
• Narrow the number of choices of colleges; review admissions requirements
• Start campus visits during spring break or summer
• Prepare personal profile summary for applications that require them
• Begin looking for local scholarship opportunities

 SENIOR YEAR

• Read the Counselors’ Notes – every week, all year

       Summer

• Review college applications online, including the Common App at highly selective schools (required at U of M)
• Make appointments with admissions/financial aid offices and visit colleges
• Consult internet for scholarship information – www.fastweb.com, and local contacts, etc.
• Create a resume/activities sheet to provide for college and scholarship opportunities

       Fall

• Attend college open houses and college rep. visits in early fall, obtain information on housing, scholarships
• Apply to chosen colleges by their deadlines (know early action/notification deadlines and regular deadlines)
• Submit completed college applications online and submit counselor form/secondary school report to counseling office
• Retake the ACT®/SAT® if necessary – at outside test sites
• Attend financial aid meeting at school – with parents

       Winter

• File FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible; if necessary, attend College Goal Sunday for free FAFSA assistance (www.collegegoalsundayusa.org)
• Return the housing application and fee to reserve a dorm room at selected college
• Middle of February is approximate deadline for financial aid and the deadline for applications for admission at some schools
• Maintain record of any and all scholarship offers from all schools

       Spring

• By May 1 – notify the college of choice when your final selection is made; also notify counseling office so they can send final transcript
• Report all offers of scholarships via form provided by counseling office