Timeline

At Windham Woods, we encourage students to begin their post-graduate planning as early as 9th grade. Below is a helpful timeline for students and families to follow throughout high school. For any questions, feel free to reach out to Allie O’Hara (aohara@windhamwoods.org) in the Career and College Center.

  • Focus: Exploration and Foundation Building

    • Create a High School Plan: Map out your goals and required courses for college.

    • Explore Interests: Identify your likes, dislikes, and potential career ideas; talk to your counselor or community professionals.

    • Extracurriculars: Join activities that interest you; colleges prefer depth over quantity.

    • Consider College Sports: If interested, review NCAA eligibility.

    • Save for College: Begin learning about financial aid and saving.

    • Summer Opportunities: Seek jobs, internships, or volunteer roles to explore career interests.

    • Get Familiar with Testing: Try the PSAT to prepare for future SATs.

    • Electives: Meet with College and Career Counselor to plan out elective road map ensuring requirements are fulfilled before senior year.

  • Focus: Developing Academic and Personal Interests

    • Meet with College Planning: Discuss post-high school plans.

    • Explore Financial Aid: Begin learning about aid options with family.

    • Extracurriculars: Continue developing skills and interests.

    • Research Careers: What will you need to study for each career path

    • Visit Colleges and Fairs: Attend college/career fairs and start touring campuses.

    Get Familiar with Testing: Try the PSAT to prepare for future SATs.

  • Focus: College Search, Testing, and Preparation

    • Fall:

      • Self-Assessment: List strengths, preferences, and potential majors.

      • Research Colleges: Use online resources, make a file for application info.

      • Take the PSAT: Qualifies you for scholarships.

      • Plan for Testing: Register for the SAT/ACT and start preparing.

      • Build a Resume: Document activities, accomplishments, and work experience.

    • Winter:

      • Financial Aid: Search for scholarships and aid options.

      • Spring Testing: Register for SAT/ACT.

      • College Visits: Start with nearby campuses and refine your list.

    • Spring:

      • Narrow College List: Focus on colleges of interest.

      • Prepare Applications: Note requirements and gather recommendations.

    • Summer:

      • Work or Volunteer: Gain experience in a field of interest.

      • Campus Visits: Talk to staff and students on visits.

    Draft Applications and Essays: Get a head start on applications.

  • Focus: Applications, Financial Aid, and Final Decisions

    • Fall:

      • Finalize College List: Balance safety, fit, and reach schools.

      • Complete FAFSA: Apply for financial aid.

      • Early Applications: Submit early decision/action applications if applicable (November 1st).

      • Essays and Recommendations: Draft essays and request letters.

    • Spring:

      • Stay Engaged: Finish strong academically.

      • Evaluate Offers: Review acceptance and financial aid offers.

    Choose College: Notify colleges of your decision by May 1.