Timeline for Test-Taking and College Applications

*Adapted from the suggested timeline by Clayborne Education, an educational consulting firm which provides personalized test prep and tutoring services. As Clayborne says, “college admissions rewards students who treat it like a multi-year project, not a senior year sprint.”

During 10th Grade — The Setup Year

Build your baseline. No panic required. Prep starts here.

  • Fall (Sep – Dec):
    • Begin noticing colleges casually — visit nearby campuses, attend local college fairs.
  • Spring (Jan – Jun): 
    • Spring break and early summer are ideal periods for casual college campus visits.
    • SAT test is available in May if your family wants an early baseline attempt.
    • Late spring: SMA recommended diagnostic start — begin SAT/ACT/CLT work now to enter summer with data.

During 11th Grade — The Year That Counts

Junior grades are scrutinized most. Test strategically. Build the list. Visit with purpose.

  • Summer (Jun – Aug): 
    • 10-12 week intensive prep window. Students who prep all summer and test in August/September arrive with scores, no anxiety.
    • Begin application process for military academies.
    • More testing dates available for ACT/SAT/CLT.
  • Early Fall (Aug – Oct): 
    • Take tests (ACT/SAT/CLT) — one can be taken in August and another in October to obtain two different benchmarks toward meeting your goal.
    • Fall campus visits — school in session, sit in on a class.
  • Late Fall (Nov – Dec): 
    • Begin building college list seriously — reach, match, and likely tiers.
    • More testing dates available for ACT/SAT/CLT.
  • Winter/Spring (Jan – Apr): 
    • More testing dates available for ACT/SAT/CLT.
    • Best structured campus visit season — school is in session.
    • Request teacher recommendation letters before end of year.
    • Common App essay prompts already published — begin brainstorming now.

During 12th Grade — Launch and Land

Most prep is done. Now it’s execution, deadlines, and decisions.

  • Summer (Jun – July): 
    • Final opportunities to take ACT/SAT/CLT before application season.
    • Final college visits — prioritize schools you’re seriously considering.
    • Draft Common App personal statement — target a strong draft before August 1, which is when the Common App opens.
  • Fall (Aug – Nov): 
    • August SAT.
    • September ACT.
    • FAFSA opens October 1 — file immediately.
    • Early Decision I — November 1 (most schools).
    • Early Action — November 1–15 (varies).
  • Late Fall/Winter (Dec – Jan): 
    • November SAT.
    • December ACT.
    • ED I decisions: mid-December (binding if accepted).
    • Early Decision II — January 1–15.
    • Regular Decision — January 1–15.
  • Spring (Feb – May): 
    • Financial aid award letters: February–March.
    • National Decision Day — May 1 — submit enrollment deposit Decision Day.
    • NACAC College Openings list published after May 1.