Dougherty Valley High School

College Timelines

FRESHMEN- Click here for 9th Grade Timeline

• Get involved in activities that interest you. Make sure you keep a written log of your activities, honors/awards, and community service.

• Attend your school’s annual college fair.

• Visit colleges if you are in a new area.

SOPHOMORES- Click here for 10th Grade Timeline

• Continue your involvement with extracurricular activities. Try to become a leader in at least one of the activities.

• Review course selection with your Counselor.

• Do well in your classes!

• Study for the PSAT.

• Take the PSAT and review results with your counselor. Develop a plan for studying for the SATs/ACTs.

• Research opportunities for summer programs (community college courses, internships, volunteer opportunities).

• Visit colleges over the summer or while on breaks.

• Complete self-assessments and college match assessments to determine what you are looking for in a college.

• Attend college fairs.

JUNIORS- Click here for 11th-12th Grade Timeline

• Make sure you are taking as rigorous of a course load as you can handle and do well in your classes.

• Continue with extracurricular activities and leadership experience.

• Complete PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test).

Of the 1.5 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index scores (critical reading + mathematics + writing skills scores) qualify for recognition in the National Merit® Scholarship Program. Winners are selected from the approximately 15,000 finalists. National Merit

• Study for standardized tests.

• Take AP exams if applicable.

• Visit colleges and begin your college list.

• Complete SAT/ACT/SAT Subject exams.

• Summer leading into Senior year – work on Applications/Personal Statements

SENIORS- Click here for additional 12th Grade Timeline

• Finalize list of colleges and visit your top choice schools.

• Research and apply for scholarships.

• Continue your involvement in extra curricular activities.

• Research admission requirements for schools and deadlines. Create a timeline for yourself so that you don’t miss any deadlines.

• Decide if you are going to do early action or early decision for any schools.

• Retake the SATs/ACTs if applicable.