The year, month by month
What to do this month, junior and senior year.
One or two things a month, for students and for parents. The Brief sends you each month's list, so nothing sneaks up on you.
AugustThis month
Seniors
- Narrow it to two or three real options and compare them.
- The Common App opens August 1. Start your list of colleges or programs.
Parents
Ask what they're curious about this year, not what they want to be.
SeptemberThis month
Juniors
- Join one activity you'd be glad to talk about later.
- Save three to five careers you're curious about.
Seniors
Parents
Sit down together with the payback estimate before visits start.
OctoberThis month
Juniors
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT this month. It's practice for the SAT, and it qualifies juniors for National Merit.
Seniors
- File the FAFSA as soon as it opens; some aid is first come, first served.
- Early deadlines are often November 1 or 15. Check each college's.
Parents
Gather last year's tax return; the FAFSA uses it.
NovemberThis month
Juniors
- Talk to one adult who does a job on your list. Ask what a normal day is like.
Parents
Over the holidays, ask relatives about their work. Teens listen to aunts and uncles.
DecemberThis month
Seniors
- Early decisions arrive this month. Many regular applications are due January 1.
Parents
If an early offer arrives, compare its real cost before celebrating the sticker price.
JanuaryThis month
Juniors
- Plan senior-year classes around what you're exploring.
Seniors
- Finish regular applications; many are due January 1 to February 1.
- Check that your FAFSA went through and fix anything flagged.
Parents
Make sure every college received the FAFSA.
FebruaryThis month
Seniors
- Apply for scholarships; local ones get fewer applicants.
Parents
Ask the school counselor which local scholarships students usually miss.
MarchThis month
Juniors
- If your colleges want test scores, pick a spring SAT or ACT date.
Parents
Put every offer in one table: what you'd actually pay each year, after grants, and the monthly loan payment after.
AprilThis month
Juniors
- Visit a campus or a workplace over spring break.
Seniors
- Compare your real options side by side, then go to an admitted students day.
- If your family's finances changed, you can ask a college to review its aid offer.
Parents
If an offer looks low, call the aid office and ask. Politely, and with numbers.
MayThis month
Juniors
- AP exams are in May. Before summer, ask a teacher who knows you to write a recommendation next fall.
Parents
Celebrate the decision, whichever road it is.
JuneThis month
Juniors
- Get one real experience this summer: a job, shadowing, or a project.
Seniors
- Finish what college asks over the summer: orientation, housing, and your first bill. Apprentices: confirm your start date.
Parents
Many students who commit in May never show up in fall. Check the summer to-do list together.
JulyThis month
Juniors
- Draft a college essay or a short statement about what you want to do and why.
Seniors
- Accept only the loans you need, and know your first monthly payment.
Parents
Talk about money: what you'll cover, what they will, and what happens if plans change.
Dates are the common ones. Every college, test, and state sets its own; check theirs.