So you're thinking about going to college. Where you go to school is one of the most important choices you'll make, so you need to do some planning and preparation. But where do you start? Follow the steps below to ensure you get started on the right path.
Junior Year
SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER
- Review your courses for this year and plan for your senior year. Be sure to take courses required for admission or preparation in your field of study.
- Check on the availability of advanced placement courses. If your high school does not offer any, check with your local college.
- Meet with your high school counselor to review career options and college majors.
NDSU Reminder
- Review freshmen admission requirements and be sure you are taking required courses.
- Compare advance placement courses at your school to the course equivalents at NDSU. Read more about Advanced Placement equivalents at NDSU.
DECEMBER - FEBRUARY
- Identify your academic strengths and weakness, and areas of study you may want to continue at the college level. Ask your high school counselor for assistance.
- Do some job shadowing to learn more about careers that interest you.
- Develop a financial plan. Check out financial aid/scholarship information at www.finaid.org.
MARCH - MAY
- Consider taking the ACT or SAT.
- Research colleges that offer majors that interest you. Ask your high school counselor for assistance, attend college fairs, look at college Web sites and call schools that interest you for more information.
- Keep studying hard; seek help in subjects that are giving you difficulty.
NDSU REMINDERS
- If you're taking the ACT or SAT, list NDSU as one of the schools you'd like to receive test scores. The ACT code for NDSU is 3202 and the SAT code is 6474.
- Take a look at NDSU. Daily visits include a meeting with an admission counselor, a campus tour with a current student and, when possible, a meeting with a faculty member in your area(s) of academic interest. Schedule a visit by calling 800-488-NDSU or 231-8643, complete our online request, or e-mail us at ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu. It's best to contact us at least a week in advance.
JUNE - JULY
- Continue to evaluate colleges on your list.
- Stay involved in extracurricular and public service activities; many schools consider more than grades and test scores.
- Save money from your summer job for college expenses.
- Visit colleges so you can narrow your list. Plan to tour the campus, meet with an admission counselor, a faculty member and students in your interest area. Students may be on summer break, but you can get a feel for the campus layout.
Senior Year
AUGUST
- Begin narrowing your list of college choices.
- Remember to schedule a time to take the ACT or SAT if you haven't already. Go to ACT or SAT for schedules and registration information.
- Research private scholarship sources and contact them for application information.
SEPTEMBER
- Attend college fairs and visit with representatives from a variety of schools.
- Visit college Web sites or contact schools you are interested in for information and applications.
- Make sure you're aware of application deadlines.
- Ask teachers, coaches, counselors and other mentors for letters of recommendation.
NDSU Reminders
- Visit an NDSU representative at a college fair.
- Students can begin filing the NDSU Application for Admission this month. It is best to send your application during the first half of the year to be assured that information about scholarships, housing and orientation/registration is received in a timely matter. Apply online using the electronic application.
OCTOBER
- Schedule a second campus visit to your top choices. See what campuses are like when classes are in session.
- Get started on your application essay if one is required at colleges that interest you. Ask for input from your English teacher.
- Complete and submit college applications, especially if you are applying on an early decision basis.
NDSU Reminders
- If you're taking the ACT or SAT, list NDSU as one of the schools you'd like to receive test scores. The ACT code for NDSU is 3202 and the SAT code is 6474. For more information on the tests, see ACT or SAT.
- If you haven't been to campus yet, visit during Discover NDSU. Dates and times are available on the Campus Visit Opportunities page.
NOVEMBER
- Collect scholarship applications and check deadlines.
NDSU Reminders
- Apply for housing. Applications are processed on a first-come first-serve basis. Take a look at the residence halls.
- Students with outstanding academic records are encouraged to apply for Scholarships. The deadline for the general scholarship application is February 1.
- Schedule a visit to campus if you have not officially visited. Call the Campus Visit Coordinator at least a week before your visit. Call 800-488-NDSU or 231-8643. You can submit your request to ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu.
DECEMBER
- Apply to colleges remaining on your list if you haven't already. Keep copies of your applications. Promptly return all forms mailed to you by colleges where you've applied.
- Submit a request for housing or find out about housing options in the community if arrangements aren't made for you.
NDSU Reminders
- If you're taking the ACT or SAT, list NDSU as one of the schools you'd like to receive test scores. The ACT code for NDSU is 3202 and the SAT code is 6474.
- Be sure to take time over the holiday break to complete paperwork such as the Application for Admission, Housing Contract or New Student Scholarship Application.
JANUARY
- Begin work on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will find helpful information and instructions online.
- See if any of the colleges you are considering offer an early financial aid estimate and check on deadlines for financial aid applications.
- Make sure you've submitted all required paperwork to colleges where you've applied, such as deposits, housing contracts, or supplemental applications for selective programs.
- Attend financial aid information programs at your high school.
NDSU Reminders
- In January begin working on the FAFSA. The priority consideration deadline for NDSU is April 15. NDSU's code is 002997.
- The Freshman Scholarship Application is due February 1. Check with your high school guidance counselor and local organizations for more scholarship opportunities.
FEBRUARY
- Complete the FAFSA after you and your parents complete your tax returns. Submit it as soon as possible after January 1, and preferably by the priority deadline listed in the FAFSA.
- Keep your grades up.
MARCH
- Continue saving.
- Watch the mail for information on admission, scholarship opportunities and housing.
NDSU Reminders
- Schedule a visit to campus if you have not officially visited. Call the Campus Visit Coordinator at least a week before your visit. Call 800-488-NDSU or 231-8643. You can submit your request online.
APRIL
- Decide which college you want to attend.
- Start looking for a summer job.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. This is a new experience for you. Call schools and ask for help if you need it.
NDSU Reminders
- Visit campus during Discover NDSU. Dates and times are available on the Campus Visit Opportunities page.
- Home schooled students from Minnesota should apply for reciprocity at GetReadyforCollege.org. New freshman applying for admission within 12 months of graduating from a Minnesota high school do not need to complete this form. The state of Minnesota will validate your information.
- Submit the FAFSA by April 15 to meet NDSU's priority consideration deadline.
