3 min read
Stay on track: Your stress-free guide for applying to college.
JUNIOR YEAR | SENIOR YEAR | |
| September | August | February |
| Have the “college” talk with your parents Where do you want to go? What major? How much can you spend? | Start your college application essays With your top schools in mind, start drafting your work and be sure to leave yourself time for edits and reviews. | Mail’s here Keep an eye out for your college acceptance letters. |
| October | September | March |
| Take the PSAT®/PreACT® It can give you an idea of where you fall in the college applicant pool. Plus, your scores may make you eligible for national scholarships. | Secure letters of recommendation Reach out to teachers, coaches, and employers who would be happy to write you a glowing review. Don’t forget to send them a thank you note afterwards. | Watch for financial aid offers Start reviewing the financial aid offers you’ve received from the schools that have accepted you. Compare them to see which school offers the best financial aid package. |
| November | October | April |
| Consider how you’ll pay for college Scholarships? Financial aid? Student loans? A combo? Start looking into your options. | Consider re-taking standardized tests You can re-take your exams to try to raise your scores. Apply For Financial Aid Financial aid is first-come, first-served, so you should submit the FAFSA® once the application opens in the fall. | Decision time After deciding where you’d like to go, make sure to stay on top of communications from your school. Deposits, forms, and housing apps are all due prior to leaving in the fall. |
| December | November | May |
| Consider taking the ACT®/SAT® Some schools require a test score to be considered for admission, and these tests may help you qualify for additional scholarships. | Stay on top of application deadlines Don’t let the date for early application sneak up on you. Many schools have different application deadlines; make sure you know when everything is due. | Make a budget Talk with your parents to figure out how much you’ll expect to earn and pay while at school. Having a budget will start you on the journey toward financial responsibility. |
| March | January | Summer |
| Make a list Keep a focused list of schools you’re interested in. Start planning campus visits for the spring and summer. Consider taking Advanced Placement (AP®) courses AP® courses may give you a leg up if you are considering attending a selective or highly selective college/university. Have the conversation with your high school counselor and parents to see if they are right for you and your situation. | Apps are due January 1st is the universal deadline for most schools, so make sure yours are in. If you applied early action, you could get your decision letter any day. | Final to-do items This is the time to attend orientation, register for your classes, and make sure the tuition bill is paid. It’s also the time to have fun! |
Ěý
Invest in your child’s future with a Student Loan from M&T Bank in partnership with Sallie Mae®.ĚýLearn ĐÓ°ÉÔ´´ >
To access additional financial education resources for students, please visit ourĚýFinancial Education Center.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the sale of any financial product or service. It is not designed or intended to provide financial, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice since such advice always requires consideration of individual circumstances. Please consult with the professionals of your choice to discuss your situation.
Borrow responsibly. We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Students and families should evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.
All loans and lines of credit and all terms referenced are subject to credit approval and other conditions. Other terms, conditions, fees and restrictions may apply.
© 2026 Sallie Mae Bank. All rights reserved. Sallie Mae, the Sallie Mae logo, and other Sallie Mae names and logos are service marks or registered service marks of Sallie Mae Bank or its subsidiaries. All other names and logos used are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank, are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.
FAFSA is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.