Process

List of 4 items.

• 

  Freshman Year

  • Develop good study habits
  • Get involved! Learn about extra curricular activities – many colleges consider talent, 
commitment and leadership
  • Develop a 4-year academic plan with advisor and grade level curriculum coordinator
  • Consider taking SAT II Subject test if you are completing an Honors or AP Course
  • If you have excelled at a specific sport and think you will want to play at the college 
level, meet with the college office to plan for the recruiting process. 

• 

  Sophomore Year

  • Take the PSAT (given to all sophomores/juniors in October)

  • Update 4-year academic plan with advisor and grade level curriculum coordinator
  • Consider taking SAT II Subject test if you are completing an Honors or AP Course
  • Begin to visit some college campuses when traveling

  • Consider engaging in test preparation during the summer 

• 

  Junior Year

  • Take the PSAT in October 
  • Visit with college representatives in College Office in the fall during free periods 
  • Make college visits on non-school days (prof. development days, Columbus Day, etc.) 
  • Research college choices – use the resources in the College Counseling Office, and Naviance Family Connection Software 
  • Register to take the ACT/SAT Reasoning Test/SAT II Subject Tests – check for winter and spring dates 
  • Attend weekend and evening workshops on college planning for students and parents 
in October, February and April 
  • Explore SAT/ACT review courses/tutoring 
  • Take ACT (with writing)/or SAT (SAT II – subject area tests as required by highly 
selective colleges). It is recommended to take these standardized tests in the late 
winter or in the spring before the school year ends. 
  • Review 4 year academic plan, graduation and college entrance requirements 
  • Begin scholarship searches using resources linked to Family Connection 
  • Complete Student and Parent questionnaires 
  • Attend the Financial Aid Workshop 
  • Complete the Transcript Release/Waiver Form for NCAA if you are considering 
Division I or II sports at the college level 
  • Attend local College Fairs 
  • Take AP exams in May 
  • During the summer, work on college essays and continue college visits
• 

  Senior Year

  • Attend end of summer College Counseling Retreat (the day before classes begin) 
  • Revise college list in Naviance 
  • Approach two teachers EARLY for letters of recommendation and submit request 
through Naviance. 
  • Parents attend September meeting for question/answer session with the 
college counselors 
  • Visit with college representatives at Derryfield during the fall 
  • Finalize list of colleges to apply to by December 1 
  • If necessary, register for the SAT I, SATII +/or ACT and retake before January 1. 
  • Submit the FAFSA for Financial Aid after January 1 and before March 1. 
  • Register on-line for the “CSS/Financial Aid Profile,” if required by college. This is a 
supplement to the FAFSA that is required by some colleges.