College Prep Timeline

Upper School 9 - 12

Home
Academics
College Counseling
College Prep Timeline

Learning Beyond Bullis

Sophomores & Freshman
Juniors
Seniors

Sophomores & Freshman

Sophomores | Grade 9 - Freshman | Grade 10

It’s early, but not too early. While college is and should be some far distant thought at this point for you, there are some things that you can do or at least think about so that when the time comes, you are better prepared.

The following is a list of ideas or suggestions appropriate for students and or parents in either grade level. (They are not in any particular order.) Some are college specific while others have as much to do with having the most successful transition to the upper school possible.

Sophomore & Freshman Years | Check List

Turn off the TV and computer and -- READ, READ, READ!!! Wherever and whenever possible implement the ideas of ownership, taking charge, becoming more independent and a more effective advocate for oneself. Explore and strengthen interests and skills in all areas. Explore and strengthen identity. Find and develop passions—in and out of school, academic and non-academic. Realize that grades DO count and colleges DO care about your preparation at this level. Sophomores: Read the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin we send out in the early fall. This brochure includes information about the test as well as sample questions. While specific preparation is not necessary, having greater familiarity with the test format and the types of questions you are likely to see is a good idea. Read not only the scores from PSAT tests but also the entire report and learn from what the results tell you. Endeavor to find a successful balance between outside school commitments and schoolwork and extracurricular pursuits. (This is particularly important with club sports.) Develop strong study habits and habits of mind. Build positive relationships with adults other than parents—find a mentor. Make wise use of summer. Work, internships, academic enrichment, athletic camps or leagues are all worth considering. Pay attention to what you hear juniors and seniors talking about that relates to college. Ask family or friends about their college process. Become familiar with the resources in the College Counseling Office and this Web site. Consult the Web site on a regular basis as it will be updated and improved regularly. Visit colleges whenever you have the chance. Start getting a feel for what kinds of places might be best for you. Focus on size, type of programs, distance from a city or home, etc. Read articles you see in the newspaper or magazines about the college process. Become familiar with the lingo and the overall process.

Juniors

Junior Year | Grade 11

This is it, the ever-popular “most important year for colleges.” Make sure your schedule is appropriately balanced and that you have covered all your requirements; focus your attention on your classroom performance; use study halls wisely; go to extra instruction and get off to the strongest start possible!

September, October & November | Check List

Participate in Junior Class Experiential Education Program on The College Admission Process. Check high school course curriculum. Will you meet college requirements? Talk with parents and advisor. Continue your involvement with in-school and out-of-school activities. Look for leadership opportunities; show initiative and genuine commitment rather than token involvement. Make a practice of walking by the College Counseling Office on a regular basis. Check College Counseling Office announcements (bulletin board, TV monitors) for upcoming college representative meetings at Bullis. You may meet with college representatives only during a study hall. (Juniors are not excused from a class.) If you have had educational testing that recommends extended time for exams, talk with the College Counseling Office and the Upper School learning specialist to make sure your testing is current and all your paperwork is in order. Athletes who plan to play college athletics should consult with their coaches, contact college coaches, and begin to make highlight reels. Read PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin which is mailed to you prior to test date. Review tenth-grade scores. Take the October PSAT.

Done

Not Done

December | Check List

Review your PSAT results with your parents. Please make sure to read the entire report as well as the letter and fact sheet from the College Counseling Office. Make plans for standardized testing. Talk with parents and college counselor about best time to take SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACTs. We recommend that every student take the SAT and ACT at least once during the spring and the SAT Subject Tests where appropriate. This is the time to start thinking about finances, whether that means financial aid, merit scholarships or payment options. Check online resources such as www.fastweb.com or www.finaid.org. Talk with graduates about their experiences.

Done

Not Done

January, February & March | Check List

Attend small group workshops sponsored by the College Counseling Office. Begin to identify the characteristics you would like in a college. Schedule individual appointment in the College Counseling Office after you complete Student Questionnaire I. Encourage your parents to attend the Parent “Kick-off Meeting.” If you anticipate being recruited to play a Division I sport, we recommend that you take the January SAT. Use resources available in the College Counseling Office to begin your college search (Naviance, resource books, etc.) Register for March/April or May SAT or April ACT Test or May SAT Subject Tests. Talk with your parents about making an appointment to meet with your college counselor after you have had your first meeting. Continue to develop characteristics you like in a school and begin to develop a list. Study and do your best on your second-trimester exams! Take advantage of spring break and visit colleges, attend tours and information sessions. If at all possible try to see schools while they are in session.

Done

Not Done

April, May, & June | Check List

Attend the Student/Parent “Mock Admission Committee” Program. Register for June SAT, SAT Subject Tests or ACT if you plan to take them. Research schools on your list in a variety of ways (objective and subjective guidebooks, discussion with alumni and present students, as well as computer resources). Write or e-mail the schools on your preliminary list requesting information. Talk with your parents, your advisor and your college counselor about your senior schedule. You should be thinking about the strongest possible schedule that is appropriate for you. Think about the breadth across the curriculum as well as advanced courses. Take the May SAT exam. Some people may want to use this date for SAT Subject Tests especially those who have just reviewed for AP exams in subject areas applicable to the SAT Subject Test. Take the June SAT exam if you did not take the SAT in March or May, or need to take SAT Subject Tests and do not plan to continue with that subject in the senior year. Watch mail, announcements, etc. for word of college-sponsored programs in the area. Attend Washington DC Area Independent Schools College Fair and any other relevant college fairs. Talk with your parents, advisor, coaches and college counselor about ways to use your upcoming summer effectively. Research and apply for summer work, internships or study programs. Meet with your college counselor to talk about the schools you visited over spring break or those you have been researching. Narrow down your list with a goal of 10-15 by the end of the year. Once you know your summer schedule, make appointments for college visits and interviews. Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if you plan to play Division I or II sports in college. Initiate service academy and ROTC scholarship applications, if applicable.

Done

Not Done

July & August | Check List

Complete Student Questionnaire II and have your parents complete College Counseling Parent Evaluation Form. Return to the College Counseling Office before the beginning of the school year. If you don’t have a summer job, try volunteering in an area of interest to you. Visit as many colleges as possible. Be sure to call ahead or check online to find out about interviews, tour times or group information sessions. Meet coaches, department chairs and anyone else you can while on campus. Fall and winter sport athletes who plan to play in college should try to make contact with college coaches. Work with your college counselor on your college essays. Create your Common Application Account and begin completing the Common Application when it becomes available on August 1. Attend August workshops. You will complete your common app essay with your college counselor. Read books, newspapers, magazines, college guides and anything else that interests you.

Done

Not Done

Seniors