College Counseling: Timeline & Resources

Although the college counseling process impacts all students in the Upper School, the needs and timelines vary depending on their grade. The College Counseling Department provides a timeline for each grade to help students on their journey from SSFS to higher education.

Freshman Year

As a Freshman, it is important to immerse yourself in all aspects of student life! Focus on performing well in your classes, find a school or off-campus activity to join, and get to know your School community—including students, faculty, and staff.

October – Identify school and off-campus activities to join

November – Visit local college campus (i.e., sporting event, art exhibit, lecture, etc.)

December – Plan ahead and create a summer plan (i.e., camp, summer school, volunteer, etc.)

February – Meet with college counselor to discuss next years’ courses

July – In addition to resting, make sure to find opportunities to be active! Go to summer camp, volunteer, shadow mentor, take a summer course, travel, etc.

August – Get ready for the new school year by completing your summer reading assignments

Sophomore Year

During your Sophomore year, you should continue to immerse yourself in all aspects of student life. As a Sophomore, you can also consider taking a practice test, although it is not required.

October – Sign up to take the PSAT

November – Visit local college campus (i.e., sporting event, art exhibit, lecture, etc.)

December – Plan ahead! Create a summer plan, whether that's working part-time, participating in pre-college programs, volunteering, etc.

February – Meet with college counselor to discuss next years’ courses and review transcript

July – In addition to resting, make sure to find opportunities to be active! Go to summer camp, volunteer, shadow mentor, take a summer course, travel, etc.

August – Get ready for the new school year by completing your summer reading assignments

Junior Year

Junior year is the official start of the Upper School college counseling process. As a Junior, you will work with our College Counseling department one-on-one, as well as participate in our formalized programming that takes place during the school year.

September – Meet with college representatives visiting SSFS

October – Take the PSAT. Visit local colleges (first official college visit)

November – Take the Practice ACT

December – Review test results and develop a plan for college testing. Create a summer plan (i.e., part-time work, internship, pre-college courses, etc.)January – Schedule a family conference with college counselor

January - Schedule a family conference with college counselor. Commence preparation for SAT (if applicable)

February – Commence preparation for ACT (if applicable)

March – Take the SAT (if applicable). Visit college campuses.

April – Take the ACT (if applicable). Attend college fairs and Open Houses. Start compiling a preliminary college list

May – Take AP and IB tests

June – Take ACT, SAT Reasoning and Subject tests (if applicable).

July – Conduct college scholarship search via FASTWEB (if applicable). Visit college campuses. Develop college list. Review transcript
Summer camp, pre-college program, part-time work, volunteer activity, etc.

August – Complete the Common Application. Complete your summer reading

Senior Year

The college counseling process continues to work with Seniors with a lens towards the practical. Our College Counseling Department will continue to support you as you work to complete applications, apply for financial aid, receive acceptance letters, and select the right school for you.

September – Meet with college counselor and review college plan. Submit rolling admissions applications (if applicable). Finalize college list. Meet with college representatives visiting SSFS

October – Begin completing early college applications (if applicable). Complete FAFSA and CSS Profile (if applicable).

November – Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) deadline

December – ED and EA results to applicants

January – Regular decision deadline. Mid-year reports submitted to colleges.

February – Avoid Senior Slump! Talk to your advisors, mentors, and peer for encouragement to stay focused through the rest of the school year.

March – Colleges begin sending out regular decision results to applicants.

April – More regular decision results are sent out. Admitted students visit colleges.

May – National deadline for college enrollment.

June – Graduation!

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