Not all college and career curriculums are equal. ScholarShot has developed an inclusive curriculum to help students find their path after high school. Each educator-designed lesson includes a teacher guide, activities, and resource links.

Transitioning from high school to college can be daunting, as it is often accompanied by uncertainty regarding what steps to take. However, ScholarShot’s College Preparation Timeline provides a comprehensive guide to ease this transition. It outlines every step in the process, from the spring of sophomore year to post-graduation, ensuring that your journey toward success is well-guided and supported.

• All Year – Explore colleges to see what you like! Visit campuses if you can, take virtual tours, and request information from college websites.
• Summer/Early Fall – Begin studying for PSAT or take the PSAT as a practice.

• August-October – Study for the PSAT
• October – Take the PSAT provided at your high school! Make sure you register in time.
• August-April – Work HARD! Your application will depend on your final GPA aat the end of your junior year, so this year is IMPORTANT!
  • Continue researching and/or visiting colleges
  • Most districts allow two or three excused absences for college visits
• December-March – Study for the ACT
  • All juniors take the ACT in March as part of National ACT Day – It’s FREE!
  • Take the SAT too! See which exam you prefer and is best suited for your brain because they are different tests!
  • Evaluate your scores (they usually arive 2-4 weeks) & decide when or if you will retake one of the exams. Most students take an exam 2 or 3 times for the best score.
• March-July – Continue maintaining your grades
  • Stay involved with extracurricular activities and/or keep working.
  • Continue studying for the ACT or SAT.
  • Give yourself 8-10 weeks to study before taking it again.
• May-June – Start narrowing your choices
  • Usually 2 “reach”, 2 “bubble”, and 2 “safe” schools for a total of 6 school applications. These will change as you learn more about each school but this is a start!
• June-July – Write your Common Application/ApplyTexas essay
  • 2 essays is preferrable
  • Create a resume! Only include activities or work from 9th grade to now. Find templates online.

• August-September – Work on applications, request official transcripts and letters of recommendation.
  • Take the ACT or SAT a 3rd time if you need a higher score.
• September-November – Finalize & submit applications. Review them carefully before submitting! Watch for deadlines for all of your documents!
• October – Last chance for an ACT/SAT retake!
• October-February – Submit applications with a later deadline like out-of-state schools.
  • Start looking for scholarships. Revise & reuse your college application essay to save time!
  • Update your resume with grades & activities
• December-January – Submit Mid-year Reports to schools that require them as part of the application or if admitted.
• February-May – Continue applying for scholarships.
  • Secure housing at your school of choice.
  • Keep your grades up! Many schools request an end-of-year transcript that could impact merit award money.
  • Submit a final transcript if required.
• May-July – Enjoy your summer & get ready for your new adventure!