Admissions Angle: Monthly Checklists

Your July College Prep Guide

Noelle Compton — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:53:14 GMT

Standby registration for the July 11 ACT closes on the third and there’s no SAT date this month. Here’s what every student and parent should have in motion before August, by grade level.

Standardized Testing Dates & Deadlines

ACT

July 3 — Standby registration window closes
July 11 — ACT test date
July 21 — Initial score release for July 11 test

The ACT isn’t offered in New York State in July. Students may test at centers in neighboring states like New Jersey and Connecticut. The next testing date after July 11 is September 19 and the deadline to register is August 14.

SAT

There’s no July SAT testing date. If your student still needs to test or wants to improve their score, August 22 is the next opportunity and the registration window closes August 7.

Topics that should be on your mind in July: personal statement drafts, fall testing strategy, senior college list, summer activity documentation.

Grade-Specific Suggestions for Students and Parents

If you’re a freshman, your job is to:

Reflect before you forget. Freshman year shapes more than your GPA; it sets habits. Before summer fully takes over, think honestly about what worked, what didn’t and what you’d do differently and write it all down.

Start something you can stick with. A summer activity is only valuable if it goes somewhere. Whether it’s volunteering, a job or a skill you’re building, pick something you’d genuinely want to continue in the fall.

Read ahead of the deadline. Summer reading has a way of becoming a September panic. Get it done in July. You’ll retain more and start the year without that weight.

If your child is a freshman, your job is to…

June College Prep Checklist

Noelle Compton — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 12:50:46 GMT

Standardized Testing Dates & Deadlines

ACT

June 5 — Registration deadline for July 11
June 8 — Photo upload and standby deadline for June 13
June 13 — ACT test date for registered students
June 23 — Initial score release for June 13
June 24 — Late registration deadline for July 11
July 11 — ACT test date
July 21 — Initial score release for July 11 test

The ACT is not offered in New York State in July. Students may test at centers in neighboring states like New Jersey and Connecticut.

SAT

June 6 — SAT date for registered students
June 22 — Initial score release for June 6
June 24 — Colleges and universities begin receiving test scores

The next SAT date is August 22; the deadline to register is August 7.

Topics that should be on your mind in June: summer planning, testing decisions, rising senior application prep and extracurricular strategy.

Grade-Specific Suggestions for Parents and Students

If you’re a freshman, your job is to:

Take stock of the year. Review your final grades before they feel like old news. Where did you excel, and where did you leave points on the table? Be honest with yourself — not to dwell, but to plan.

Get ahead of summer reading. Required reading has a way of piling up by late August. Start now, finish early, and actually absorb it. A quick review before September will make a real difference.

Try something new — and document it. Summer is a low-stakes moment to explore. Whether it’s a sport, a community program, a skill or a volunteer commitment, take notes on what you’re drawn to. These discoveries matter more than they might seem right now.

If your child is a freshman, your job is to…

May 2026 Checklist

Noelle Compton — Fri, 01 May 2026 18:43:00 GMT

May marks the final push of the school year. A time for wrapping up academics, navigating AP exams, and looking ahead to what’s next. For students, this month is about finishing strong, tying up loose ends, and taking meaningful steps toward summer goals. Whether it’s locking in a summer program, registering for standardized tests, or reflecting on the …

April 2026 Checklists

Noelle Compton — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

While spring brings warmer days, it also brings key deadlines and decisions that can impact the months ahead. Students are finalizing course selections, securing teacher recommendations, and preparing for AP exams—all while solidifying their summer plans. Below, you’ll find checklists by grade level to help students and their parents stay on track durin…

March 2026 Checklist

Noelle Compton — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:00:00 GMT

March often feels like a bridge—between winter routines and spring decisions, between the school year and what comes next. These grade-level checklists are designed to bring clarity to that transition, helping students stay grounded while parents support without overstepping.

At a glance…

Upcoming ACT deadlines:

3/6 registration deadline for 4/11 test (no ACT in March)
4/11 test
5/8 registration deadline for 6/13 test (no ACT in May)
6/13 test
6/5 registration deadline for 7/11 test

Upcoming SAT deadlines:

3/14 test
4/17 registration deadline for 5/2 test (no SAT in April)
5/2 test
5/22 registration deadline for 6/6 test
6/6 test

Critical topics:

Maintaining strong grades
Getting involved before the end of the school year
The college countdown: an essential to-do list for rising seniors

9th graders

If you’re a freshman, your focus this month should be on finishing strong and setting up summer momentum:

Build Your Academic Foundation. Strong grades matter in college admissions, so stay focused through the end of the term. If you’re unsure how much GPA really counts, take a look at our breakdown of its role in the admissions process.
Expand Your Social Circles. It’s easy to stick with middle school friends, but high school is a time for growth. Challenge yourself to meet new people—sit at a different lunch table, try a new club, or switch up your routine. New connections often lead to new opportunities.
Get Involved Before the Year Ends. Scan your school’s activity list and consider joining a club now—even if it feels late. On the Common Application, activities are listed by grade level, not dates. Joining this spring allows you to count the activity as a 9th-grade commitment, signaling longevity.
Begin Shaping Your Admissions Angle. Notice what captures your attention—articles you linger on, topics you debate, questions you keep asking. One simple way to track this evolution is by starting a blog or journal to document your interests as they develop.

February 2026 Checklist

Noelle Compton — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:00:00 GMT

As February unfolds, it’s time to check in on momentum and make thoughtful adjustments for the months ahead.

This is a key point in the academic year to refine goals, stay consistent, and plan proactively. Below, you’ll find grade-specific checklists for students and parents to help you stay focused and intentional as spring approaches.

At a glance…

Upcoming ACT deadlines:

2/14 test
3/6 registration deadline for 4/11 test (no ACT in March)
4/11 test

Upcoming SAT deadlines:

2/27 registration deadline for 3/14 test (no SAT in January nor February)
3/14 test
4/17 registration deadline for 5/2 test (no SAT in April)
5/2 test

Critical topics:

Keep applying for summer programs
Maximize college readiness during your spring break
Register for the SAT/ACT
Study for APs/IBs

9th Graders

If you’re a freshman, February is about exploration with intention:

Deepen your curiosity. Follow topics that genuinely interest you by reading widely, watching talks, or engaging with content beyond the classroom. If you enjoy writing or reflecting, consider documenting your thinking in a journal or blog as your interests evolve.
Stay academically steady. Midyear momentum matters. Aim to keep grades strong, ask questions early when material gets challenging, and use teacher support to stay confident and consistent.
Be proactive about involvement. As new clubs, competitions, or initiatives emerge, think carefully about where you want to invest your time and energy—and don’t be afraid to take initiative if something you care about doesn’t yet exist.

January 2026 Checklists

Noelle Compton — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:11:20 GMT

Welcome to the new year! We hope you’re returning from winter break feeling refreshed and ready to dive into the semester ahead.

January sets the tone for the rest of the academic year. Below, you’ll find tailored checklists for each grade level—along with guidance for parents—to help you stay organized, proactive, and confident as spring and summer planning begins.

At a glance…

Upcoming ACT deadlines:

1/9 registration deadline for 2/14 test (no ACT in January)
2/14 test
3/6 registration deadline for 4/11 test (no ACT in March)
4/11 test

Upcoming SAT deadlines:

2/27 registration deadline for 3/14 test (no SAT in January nor February)
3/14 test
4/17 registration deadline for 5/2 test (no SAT in April)
5/2 test

Critical topics:

Setting up for a semester ahead
Making a preliminary college list
Planning college visits
Researching and applying for summer programs

9th Graders

If you’re a freshman, your focus this month should be:

Recommit to academic routines. January is a reset—tighten your organization systems, adjust study habits, and set realistic goals to keep grades strong as coursework becomes more demanding.
Explore what excites you. Use what you learned last semester to decide which clubs, teams, or creative pursuits genuinely energize you—and which ones you may be ready to move on from.
Think intentionally about involvement. As new opportunities appear this semester, consider how you want to show up in your school community, whether by joining a club, taking initiative, or planting seeds for a future leadership role.

Parents of 9th Graders

Review the first semester together. Look at grades, teacher feedback, and overall adjustment to high school to identify strengths to build on and areas that may need added structure or support.
Encourage curiosity over credentials. Ask open-ended questions about what your student enjoyed—or didn’t—last semester, and use those insights to guide activities that feel meaningful rather than résumé-driven.
Introduce college as inspiration, not pressure. A campus visit, lecture, performance, or athletic event can help your student visualize the long-term payoff of their hard work without making college feel urgent or overwhelming.