Freshman Year

1. Examine your own likes, dislikes, interests, and activities.
2. Begin an informal resume with activities and interests.
3. Visit colleges whenever possible and explore on web pages.
4. Plan your four-year academic curriculum with college in mind.
5. Remember that final grades for nine through twelve are listed on the transcript.
6. Commit to volunteer, extracurricular, and summer activities. Select one or two involvements to continue for four years.
7. Read beyond school assignments (fiction, non-fiction, newspaper) for increased critical analysis.

Sophomore Year

1. Practice in class and prepare for PSAT.
2. Take the PSAT at HRA in October (all students are pre-registered).
3. Complete the PSAT and review your incorrect responses once results are received.
4. Visit colleges with siblings and parents just to observe (no tours, sessions, or interviews yet).
5. Continue exploring colleges on web pages.
6. Update activities and interests on your résumé.
7. Concentrate on your academic performance.
8. Continue volunteer, extracurricular, and summer commitments.
9. Begin to discuss college and financing college with parents.

Junior Year

1. Remember that this is the last full year of grades that will appear on the transcript that is sent to colleges. Make them count!
2. Visit with at least three college representatives when they come to visit HRA in the fall.
3. Visit colleges – winter and spring breaks are good times to tour campuses.
4. Practice in class and prepare for PSAT.
5. Take the PSAT at HRA in October (all students are pre-registered).
6. Complete the PSAT and review your incorrect responses once results are received.
7. Plan to take the SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests in the fall or spring (HRA is a test site in November or April only; test centers are also at other area schools).
8. Attend “College Night - Evening with the Deans” in January.
9. Make an appointment with the college counselors for college planning with parents (during January, February, or March).
10. Research colleges online and in the College Resource Room.
11. Narrow your list to 6-10 colleges and begin researching these schools online or through mailed materials.
12. April 1 - Due to College Counseling Office
- Résumé (template on T:// drive at HRA)
- Common Application
- Parent recommendation(s)
13. Attend the panel presentation by HRA Seniors to discuss the application and admission process.
14. Make plans early for a productive growth experience for pre-senior year summer.
15. Decide upon two teachers from whom you will request a recommendation for your applications; ask these teachers if they will serve as a recommender for you.


SENIOR YEAR!!

August/September
1. Register for the October and/or November SAT Reasoning or Subject Tests OR ACT Test.
2. Schedule an appointment with a college counselor for a senior meeting (student only).
3. Finalize requests for letters of rec from teachers and provide them with forms by 9/15!!
4. Attend senior lunch meetings.
5. Attend College Night Program for Senior and Parents.
6. Update your résumé and give a copy to the college counselors.
7. Attend the meetings with college representatives visiting HRA in the College Resource Room.
8. Make final college visits, with interviews when available.
9. Research scholarship and financial aid options.

October
1. For Early Decision/Action, submit School Report Form to College Office by October 1.
2. Give college essay(s) to the college counselors in early September for suggestions and review.
3. Take practice tests in preparation for SAT or ACT.
4. Complete the SAT Reasoning or Subject Tests.
5. Register for the December SAT or ACT if desired.
6. WORK ON APPLICATIONS!! Pay close attention to financial aid deadlines for ED/EA.

November
1. For Regular Decision, submit your first School Report Form to College Office by November 1.
2. Complete the SAT Reasoning or Subject Tests.
3. Register for the January SAT, if desired.

December
1. Submit all remaining School Report Forms to College Office by December 1 at the latest!
2. Complete the SAT Reasoning or Subject Tests.
3. Receive Early Decision/Action notifications; if applicable, withdraw other applications and mail your deposit.
4. WORK ON APPLICATIONS over the holiday break!!

January
1. First semester grades are sent to colleges by HRA (or student if applicable).
2. Continue the same level of effort and commitment to your academics – avoid the senior slump!
3. Complete the SAT Reasoning or Subject Tests.
4. File FAFSA and other financial aid paperwork as soon as possible.

February - April
1. Check your mail! College decisions should be arriving for Regular Decision applications.
2. Visit colleges to finalize your decision.
3. Attend the panel presentation by recent HRA grads to discuss the transition to college.

May 1 – College Declaration Day!!
1. By this date, you must mail your decision and deposit to the one college of your choice.
2. Notify all colleges that accepted you but that you did not select that you will not enroll.
3. Notify the College Counseling Office of your decision and let us celebrate with you!!

Post Graduation
1. Your final transcript is sent to colleges – then, get ready to go!!!