College Admissions Checklist - Track FAFSA, SAT/ACT, Essays, Deadlines

Sep 3, 2026

Upload by Jake

College admissions checklist covering key tasks across the timeline from 11th grade through May of 12th grade. Includes preparing and submitting the FAFSA, scheduling and taking SAT/ACT, drafting and submitting the essay, using a college admissions probability program and analyzing results, downloading applications, and tracking early and regular deadlines. Also lists steps for determining testing needs, completing applications, submitting transcripts and financial aid forms, managing appointment-style items such as fee payment, and responding to admissions and financial aid award letters.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Begin at 11th Grade

Prepare FAFSA

Plan SAT/ACT and essay

Early 12th Grade

Take admission tests and submit applications

Handle scholarships, transcripts, and essay

Middle of 12th Grade

Grade reports and score verification

Submit PROFILE and financial aid forms

Late 12th Grade

Receive admission/aid letters and confirm acceptance

Complete Advanced Placement tests

| | Begin | Time Required | one | two | three | four | five | six | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Prepare and Submit FAFSA | 11th Grade | 2 to 6
months | | | | | | | | Prepare for and then take SAT,ACT | Before 12th Grade | 1 to 4
months | | | | | | | | Draft Essay Template | Before 12th Grade | 1 month | | | | | | | | Use College Admissions Probability Program | Before 12th Grade | 1 day | | | | | | | | Analyze results of College Admission Probability Program. | Before 12th Grade | 1 month | | | | | | | | Download applications for colleges | Before 12th Grade | 1 month | | | | | | | | Note the early and regular application deadlines | Early 12th Grade | 1 week | | | | | | | | | Begin | Time Required | one | two | three | four | five | six | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Determine if admission test is required. If yes take it. | Early 12th Grade | 1 week | | | | | | | | Complete and submit college applications | Early 12th grade | 1 month | | | | | | | | Make a note of the regular and priority financial aid deadlines | Early 12th Grade | 1 week | | | | | | | | Register for Advanced Placement tests (if applicable) | Early 12th Grade | 1 week | | | | | | | | Submit essay | Early 12th Grade | 1 week | | | | | | | | Search school website regarding any available scholarships | Early 12th Grade | 1 week | | | | | | | | Request high school transcripts sent to colleges | Early 12th Grade | 4 weeks | | | | | | | | | Begin | Time Required | one | two | three | four | five | six | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Request midyear grade reports sent to colleges | Middle of
12th Grade | 2 months | | | | | | | | Verify test scores have been submitted | Middle of
12th Grade | 2 weeks | | | | | | | | Submit PROFILE, if needed | Middle of
12th Grade | 2 weeks | | | | | | | | Pay application fee | Middle of
12th Grade | 2 weeks | | | | | | | | Submit college aid form, if needed | Middle of
12th Grade | 2 weeks | | | | | | | | Submit state aid form, if needed | Middle of
12th grade | 2 weeks | | | | | | | | Confirm receipt of application materials | Middle of
12th grade | 1 week | | | | | | | | | Begin | Time Required | one | two | three | four | five | six | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Receive Letter from office of admission | Middle of
12th Grade | | | | | | | | | Receive financial aid award letter | Middle 12th Grade | | | | | | | | | Meet deadline to accept admission and send deposit | Middle 12th Grade | 1 week | | | | | | | | Accept financial aid offer | Middle of
12th Grade | 1 week | | | | | | | | Advanced Placement tests | May of 12th Grade | 1 week | | | | | | |

FAQs

What should be prepared and submitted starting in 11th grade?

Prepare and submit the FAFSA, plan for and take the SAT/ACT, draft an essay template, and use the College Admissions Probability Program, then analyze its results.

What tasks are required during early 12th grade?

Determine whether an admission test is required and take it if needed, complete and submit college applications, submit essays, register for Advanced Placement tests if applicable, request transcripts be sent, and note early and priority financial aid deadlines.

What should be done in the middle and later part of 12th grade?

In mid-12th grade, request midyear grade reports and verify test scores, then submit PROFILE, application fees, and any aid forms, and confirm receipt of materials. Later, receive admission and financial aid award letters, meet deadlines to accept admission and send deposits, accept aid offers, and complete Advanced Placement tests in May.

Sep 3, 2026

Upload by Jake