The October College Prep Checklist
October is test month for just about everyone. Whether you're a Freshman taking the PSAT for the first time or a Senior sending your scores off to colleges, this month has something big on your calendar. Below is what each grade should focus on. And Seniors, this month is a busy one for you, so we've saved the longest list for last!
Freshmen
Take the PSAT. Your school will offer it sometime this month. The testing window runs October 1 through October 30, and your school picks the exact day. Ask your counselor when yours is if you don't already know. You don't need to prep intensely for it as a Freshman. Just take it seriously. The point isn't the score today; it's building the habit of treating these tests like the real thing.
Keep exploring what you're interested in. October is when a lot of clubs, teams, and volunteer opportunities settle in for the year. If you found something you liked this fall, stay involved in it. If you're still looking, this is a great month to try something new.
Sophomores
Your job is the same as the Freshmen, but with one more thing:
Take the PSAT with a little more intention this year. It’s the same testing window (October 1–30) and same practice test, but this year, your score is a second data point. It tells you the direction you're moving, and that's much more useful than a single score. If your score is trending anywhere near the National Merit range for your state, we recommend starting to prepare intentionally for next year's PSAT/NMSQT.
Juniors
This is your year for the PSAT, and everything gets a little more serious. Take the PSAT/NMSQT. The NMSQT stands for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The junior-year PSAT qualifies students for National Merit recognition (and real scholarship money). Your school will offer it sometime during the October 1–30 window. If your practice score is anywhere close to the cutoff for your state, prepare for this like it counts, because it does.
If you registered for the October ACT (October 17) or SAT (October 3), take it. Get through the experience of a real test day. It gives you the data you need to build a prep plan for the winter and spring, and you'll learn things about how you test under real conditions that no practice book can teach you.
When your score comes back, really look at it. Don't just look at the composite and move on. Look at the section breakdowns. Look at where you were rushing. Look at which questions you missed. The report tells you exactly where your points are hiding. If you'd like help reading it, that's exactly what we do in a consultation!
Seniors
October is a busy month! Here's the checklist in the order that will help you most.
Take the ACT, SAT, or CLT if you're registered. For most Early Action and Early Decision applications, this month's score will be the last one that makes it into your file on time. Give it everything you've got, but also remember this is not your only chance. Materials deadlines are often different from application deadlines, so scores from later dates can sometimes still be sent.
Complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — is open now. It doesn't have to be finished today, but do it this month if you can. Institutional aid is often first-come, first-served, so earlier is better.
Meet with your school counselor to confirm your transcripts. Make sure they're being sent to the colleges you're applying to. If you're applying to a Florida public university, make sure you understand what needs to happen with STARS or SPARK. Those are your self-reported academic records, and your application won't be reviewed without them.
Fill out the Common App broadly before diving into individual applications. There are shared pieces that apply across every college. Do those first, and then work through the school-specific supplements.
Submit early. Aim to send your October 15 and November 1 applications a day or two ahead of the deadline. Portal freezes at 11:59 pm on a deadline day are real. Do not put yourself in that position.
Keep working on your Common App essay and supplemental essays. Most Seniors underestimate how many they have. If you haven't counted them yet, that is the single most useful hour you can spend this week, and we have a College Application Planner to help you get organized.
Where to Start
If you're looking at this list and feel a little overwhelmed, I hope it at least helps you find your best next step.
For Freshmen and Sophomores, the PSAT is your one thing this month. Show up for it.
For Juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT is the most important test you'll take this year. Please treat it that way.
For Seniors, the FAFSA and finishing your supplementals are the two most-often-forgotten steps, and both of them matter more than they sound like they do.
If you have any questions about navigating any part of this process, we'd love to chat and figure out the right steps for you and your family. Our initial consultation is free!
