Seniors:

• Schedule an individual meeting with Mr. Calahan about the college application process.  Seniors will receive an unofficial transcript at this time with their cumulative GPA, class rank, and best test scores.
• Retake the SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject tests if you so desire.
• Obtain applications, either online via college websites or via the Common Application.
• All seniors should apply to an in-state school.
• Choose two teachers to write recommendation letters for you (if needed).  Request letters of recommendation using the Teacher Recommendation Form available from Mr. Calahan.  Teachers should be given the form with at least two weeks notice, an addressed and stamped envelope, and any other required forms specific to that school. 
• Research application deadlines specific to each school.  Consider Early Decision or Early Action deadlines or application deadlines unique to specific programs or departments.  Many of these deadlines are November 1.  Applications should be submitted well ahead of the deadlines to receive more individualized attention from school admissions officers who will then receive tens of thousands of applications submitted on the due dates.
• Fill out and submit applications (deadlines start November 1, depending on whether you apply Early Action/Early Decision or apply to specific programs, such as music or art or other programs requiring auditions or supplements). 
• College admissions officers start visiting TPA.  Sign up in College Corner, especially if the visit occurs during class.  Most visits are scheduled during high school lunch.
• National Merit Semifinalist and Commended students are announced.
• Christian College Fair, Monday, October 18 from 6 pm – 8 pm at Valley Christian High School.  For information and a list of colleges attending, go to http://www.nccf.us/view-fair.php?fid=102.

Seniors and Juniors:

• Attend the NACAC Phoenix College Fair (free), on Sunday, September 26 from 11 am – 3:30 pm at the Phoenix Civic Center.  For information and a list of colleges attending, go to  http://www.nacacnet.org/EVENTSTRAINING/COLLEGEFAIRS/NCF/FALL/Pages/10FPho.aspx

• Attend the Scottsdale College Fair (free), on Sunday, September 26 from 5 pm – 7 pm at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts.  For information and a list of colleges attending, go to www.scottsdalecollegefair.com

 Juniors:

• Friday, September 3 - Junior Lunchtime Meeting with Mr. Calahan – Zelman Center

• Sign up to take the PSAT (practice SAT test; Junior year scores are used to determine National Merit Scholar students) on Saturday, October 16 (end of fall break).

• Prepare for the PSAT by taking practice tests available free online at collegeboard.com and through commercial test preparation companies such as Kaplan.com and princetonreview.com or in commercially prepared books available through those companies, amazon.com or local bookstores.

Sophomores:

• Sign up to take the PSAT (practice SAT) on Saturday, October 16 (end of fall break).

Seniors:

• Request transcripts to be sent from Mr. Calahan to your schools with at least two weeks notice, an addressed and stamped envelope, and any other required forms (or address labels) specific to that school.  Finish and submit your supplemental application materials (essays, extracurricular/work, CDs or DVDs, art portfolios, CV, etc.).

• Send ACT and/or SAT and SAT Subject Test scores to each of the colleges you’re applying through www.collegeboard.com (SAT) or www.actstudent.org (ACT).

Seniors and Juniors:

• Christian College Fair, Monday, October 18 from 6 pm – 8 pm at Valley Christian High School.  For information and a lilst of colleges attending, go to http://www.nccf.us/view-fair.php?fid=102.NACAC Performing and Visual Arts College Fairs information at http://www.nacacnet.org/EventsTraining/CollegeFairs/pva/Pages/pvaschedule.aspx :

• October 24 from 1 pm – 3:30 pm in Los Angeles at UCLA.

• October 25 from 7 pm – 9 pm in Las Vegas.

Juniors & Sophomores:

• Take PSAT on Saturday, October 16

• Sign up to take the PLAN (practice ACT).

Upcoming Test Dates:

PSAT: Saturday, October 16 (for Sophomores and Juniors)

SAT: October 9, November 6, December 4

ACT: October 23, December 11

• Typical Early Decision/Early Action college application deadlines
• PLAN test given to sophomores.
• Junior Parent Meeting on College Admissions repeated.
• Senior Financial Aid Night for seniors and their parents
• College admissions officers visit TPA

• All juniors receive a Winter Packet with PSAT test scores, original PSAT test booklet, and SAT/ACT practice test booklets.
• Sophomores that took the PSAT or PLAN also receive a Winter Packet with their test scores and original test booklets.
• Seniors should plan to have finished all standardized testing (SAT/ACT) by December.
• Seniors applying to ASU should finish their application by December 1 to qualify for merit scholarships.

• All junior families should plan to meet with the college counselor to discuss signing up for standardized tests and college goals. Juniors will receive an unofficial transcript with cumulative GPA and rank.
• Juniors should sign up for SAT/ACT tests given January - June
• Most senior college applications should be completed
• Seniors and their parents should complete the FAFSA (don’t wait until taxes are filed, estimate)
• Seniors, make sure the college counselor has all information needed for Mid-Year Reports
• All high school students should pay attention to Summer Programs (see PREPHQ) and their application due dates.
• Seniors should review Scholarship deadlines (see PREPHQ)

• Lots of deadlines for scholarships and some summer programs.
• Seniors should apply for Boys State and Girls State. TPA is allowed to nominate 2 boys and 2 girls. See PREPHQ for more details.
• National Merit Finalists notified

• Final deadline for Boys State and Girls State (juniors only).
• Senior’s Priority deadline for FAFSA

• Seniors receive college application results
• Seniors should record all Accepted/Denied/Waitlisted status in PREPHQ. Also record all scholarship offers.

• Seniors must inform their chosen college by May 1. Only one college may be accepted.
• Colleges not selected should also be informed.
• Senior information from PREPHQ on college acceptances, scholarship offers, and the chosen college will be used for the Senior Awards Ceremony and Graduation program.
• Seniors must turn in 2 stamped, addressed envelopes for final transcripts: one addressed to the college they plan to attend, and one addressed to themselves.
• National Merit program sends out letters to juniors that will either be semifinalists or commended in September. That’s not what the letter says, but that’s what it means!

• Arizona Board of Regents High Honors Tuition Waiver Scholarship (AIMS Scholarship) information submitted for graduated seniors with a 3.5 GPA, A’s and B’s in selected subjects, and 3 Exceeds in the AIMS tests. This is for tuition at an in-state school. This scholarship may not be combined with the usual state school merit scholarships.
• Official Final Transcripts sent to colleges
• Graduated seniors receive an unofficial final transcript

• Graduated seniors will be notified about the AIMS scholarship (see June entry).