Your College Roadmap
Everything you need, in the right order.
Figure out what you want
3 minutesNot sure what to study? Take our 3-minute quiz to discover majors that match your interests and personality.
Take the quiz →Skip — I already know my major →Find your colleges
Your paceSearch 2,942 colleges by location, size, cost, D1 sports, Greek life, and more. Build your list.
Browse colleges →Check your chances
5 minutesEnter your GPA and test scores. Get a personalized Safety, On Target, and Reach list based on real admissions data.
Check my chances →Understand what you'll pay
5 minutesCollege sticker prices are misleading. See what you'll actually pay after grants, scholarships, and aid.
Calculate net price →Find scholarships
10 minutes$50B in scholarships goes unclaimed every year. Search thousands of awards you actually qualify for.
Find scholarships →Build your application
OngoingTrack deadlines, prep your essays with AI coaching, and get your application checklist. Don't miss a thing.
Start your application →Year-by-year timeline
What to work on each year of high school.
9th Grade
Fall
Focus on adjustment and exploration. Join 2-3 clubs or activities that genuinely interest you. Build relationships with teachers.
Winter
Meet with your counselor to understand your school's course offerings and graduation requirements.
Spring
Choose rigorous courses for sophomore year. Take the most challenging classes you can handle while maintaining strong grades.
10th Grade
Fall
Continue with extracurriculars and deepen involvement. Consider taking your first AP or Honors course.
October
Take the PSAT for practice (does not count for National Merit).
Spring
Identify 1-2 activities where you can pursue leadership roles junior year.
11th Grade
The most critical yearSummer before
Begin college research. Make a broad list of 15-20 schools.
September
Meet with your counselor about testing timeline and college list.
October
Take PSAT/NMSQT (counts for National Merit Scholarship).
Dec - Jan
Take first SAT or ACT. Register 6-8 weeks in advance.
Feb - Apr
Build college list to 10-12 schools. Schedule campus visits for spring break.
Mar - May
Retake SAT/ACT if needed. Goal: be done with testing before summer.
Apr - May
Ask teachers for recommendation letters in person before summer break.
Summer
Write Common App essay. Narrow college list to 5-7 schools. Create resume/activity list.
12th Grade
August 1
Common App opens. Create account immediately.
Aug - Sep
Finalize college list. Complete all essays and short answers.
October
Submit Early Decision/Early Action applications (deadlines typically Nov 1).
October 1
FAFSA opens. Complete it ASAP even if your family has high income.
November
Submit Regular Decision applications (deadlines typically Jan 1-15).
Dec - Mar
Decisions arrive. Review financial aid packages carefully.
April
Compare aid packages. Visit accepted student days if possible.
May 1
National decision deadline. Submit deposit to ONE school only.
Cannot miss these deadlines
- •October (Junior Year): PSAT/NMSQT for National Merit
- •Spring (Junior Year): Request recommendation letters
- •August 1 (Senior Year): Common App opens
- •October 1 (Senior Year): FAFSA opens
- •November 1: Early Decision/Early Action deadline
- •January 1-15: Regular Decision deadlines
- •May 1: National decision day