For a college hopeful, few things feel worse than finding out about a scholarship, practice exam or free seminar too late. Mark down these important dates so you’ll make all your application deadlines and rest easy.
JANUARY
Complete your FAFSA
Seniors should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid as soon as possible. Money is awarded on a rolling basis, and it runs out. Go to fafsa.ed.gov for more information.
23
SAT test date
$45 basic fee. Visit collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html for more information about test dates, fees, and regular and late registration.
31
Apply to be a Chicago Scholar
The program lasts from the admissions stage through graduation, laying the groundwork for success in the professional world or in graduate study. You must be a junior attending a private, public or parochial high school in Chicago. The deadline to apply is this date. Go to chicagoscholars.org
FEBRUARY
4
SAT registration deadline
Registration must be postmarked or submitted by this date for the March 13 test.
6
ACT test date
$32 basic fee ($47 with writing test). Visit actstudent.org for more information about test dates, standby testing (if you missed registration) and fees.
15
Learn about civics
Interested in traveling and learning more about poverty and politics? Northwestern University offers a special program for students called the Civic Education Project. Apply by this date at ctd.northwestern.edu/cep
15
Community scholarship
Apply for the AXA Achievement Community Scholarship by this date. Applicants must be ambitious and show outstanding achievement in school, community or work activities, and be recommended by an adult who’s not a relative. Click on the application link at axa-equitable.com/axa-foundation/community-scholarships.html
17
Scholars program for freshmen
The University of Chicago Collegiate Scholars program is accepting applications from high school freshmen, and Feb. 17 is the deadline. During the three-year program, students take summer classes at the university and attend seminars. The program boasts many Posse, QuestBridge and Gates Millennium scholars. Go to collegiatescholars.uchicago.edu
MARCH
5
ACT registration deadline
Register by this date for the April 10 test.
13
SAT test date
Free ACT practice exams and strategy sessions
The Princeton Review offers free full-length practice exams and includes a personalized score report. You can also attend free ACT strategy sessions, in which instructors go over sample questions and test-taking strategies. Go to princetonreview.com/college/act-free-events.aspx to sign up. Here the dates and locations for March:
MARCH 20
Practice test, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Lincoln Park (2805 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago) and Northwestern (1830 Sherman Ave., Suite 203, Evanston)
March 24Strategy session, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Lincoln Park
March 25Strategy session, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Northwestern
March 27Strategy session, 6:30-7:30 p.m., University of Chicago (924 E. 57th St.)
25
SAT registration deadline
Registration must be postmarked or submitted by this date for the May 1 test.
29-Apr.2
Spring break
Spring break for CPS and some suburban districts is March 29 to April 2. For many other suburban districts, break is from March 22-26. Use the time to study for the SAT and ACT or clear your mind so you can return for the second half of the semester with renewed focus.
APRIL
2
Apply for college classes at Northwestern
Northwestern’s College Bridge program takes place from June 21 to Aug. 20. Students earn college and high school credit for completed courses. Apply by this date at scs.northwestern.edu/summernu/programs/c ollege(underscore)bridge.cfm
10
ACT test date
29
SAT registration deadline
Registration must be postmarked or submitted by this date for the June 5 test.
MAY
1
SAT test date
7
ACT registration deadline
Register by this date for the June 12 test date.
JUNE
5
SAT test date
12
ACT test date
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COMPILED BY LYNDA LOPEZ, PROSSER
