Back-to-School Checklist: The College Process (2026 Edition)
This guest post was written by Kristen Wiley, College Counselor and Program Advisor at Campus Bound.
The college application process has many steps, so staying focused is essential and will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or losing track of important dates. As students gear up for back-to-school, there are grade-specific tasks to help you prepare for the admissions process. Here are some key checklist items:
Seniors - Class of 2027:
- Meet with college representatives who visit your high school
- Continue to refine your college list — aim for balance across admission categories
- Complete standardized testing (SAT, ACT) according to your Test Innovators plan
- Visit campuses, schedule interviews, and otherwise demonstrate interest in the colleges on your list
- Request high school transcripts and recommendations well in advance of your first application deadline
- Send official test scores and supplemental transcripts to colleges (if applicable)
- Complete applications and essays, and be aware of deadlines (early action, early decision, regular, rolling)
- Submit the FAFSA application and/or CSS profile (if applicable)
- Apply for scholarship opportunities, and be aware of deadlines
- Remain focused and keep on track academically – grades still matter!
- Make a college decision by May 1 and submit your deposit, then apply for housing
Juniors - Class of 2028:
- Begin to tour colleges
- Take PSAT-NMSQT
- Start your activities sheet to include involvements/accomplishments throughout high school
- Start to explore majors; take a career assessment with Campus Bound
- Register for senior courses – choose an appropriately rigorous course load
- Register for standardized testing (SAT, ACT) and identify the right Test Innovators test prep plan
- Make plans for an interesting, productive, and rejuvenating summer
- Request teacher recommendations
- Explore financial aid possibilities and outside scholarships
- Start brainstorming ideas for and drafting college essays
- Create a Common Application account and start working on your application
Sophomores - Class of 2029:
- Take PSAT (if available) or the PreACT
- Consider which activities you like the most, and find deeper ways to be involved or take on leadership roles
- Junior course registration – consider new ways to challenge yourself
- Begin researching colleges
- Make some informal college visits to local colleges to build your knowledge base
- Consider taking a career assessment with Campus Bound
- Make plans for an interesting, productive, and rejuvenating summer
Ready to start checking off your college prep list?
Connect with the team at Campus Bound to schedule a consultation for college list building, essay support, and strategic planning.
Preparing for the ACT or SAT?
Standardized testing is a critical piece of your checklist. Build confidence and boost your scores with Test Innovators.
Kristen Wiley
Kristen Wiley is a seasoned college counselor with a strong background supporting families through every stage of the admissions process. Since 2022, Kristen has served as a College Counselor and Program Advisor at Campus Bound, helping students build balanced college lists, navigate applications, develop essays, and explore majors and career paths. With a whole-student approach rooted in both academic training and practical admissions knowledge, she takes great pride in empowering students to find their passions, voice, and fit in the college search.
