Freshman Year

• Meet with your school counselor.  Review your graduation requirements and choose courses that are appropriately challenging
• Challenge yourself - select college prep courses such as Advanced or Honors classes in English, Math, FL, science, social studies, etc.  
• Form good study habits. 
• Remember that from here on, all courses count! 

Sophomore Year

• Visit your school counseling office and assess past performance. Identify areas in which you need improvement
• Begin to think about your academic/major/career interests and discuss these with your counselor and teachers. 
• Think ahead about the courses you will be taking in the junior and senior years, and plan a full and challenging course load
• Research colleges on the web
• Learn about Rider! 
• Make a list of colleges you would like to visit and find out what kinds of visits  (Open Houses, Tours, Student for a Day programs) are available. 

Junior Year

• Fall:
  • Think about what kind of college experience you are looking for:  academic offerings, location, fit, personal attention, value
  • Take the practice ACT or SAT tests in the Fall
  • Attend college fairs, contact the colleges that appeal to you and speak with admission representatives
    
    
• Spring:
  • Plan to visit the schools you are interested in at least once between now and the early fall of your senior year.
  • Take the SAT or ACT at least once.  Request that your official SAT/ACT scores be sent directly to Rider (codes are * SAT I: 2758 and  ACT: 2590)  
    Which scores should I send?  Click here for Rider's policy on SAT Score Choice.
  • Select a strong senior schedule that reflects an appropriate level of challenge.  Even if you have met the minimum requirements in these subjects, take at least one English, one math, and one science course in your senior year.  
    
    
• Summer: Make a short list of the colleges to which you might apply

Senior Year

• Keep your grades up!
  
  
• Early fall:
  • Review your college list with your school counselor, discuss which best fit you and your goals, and adjust the list as necessary
  • Visit the web sites of the colleges on your list and review their application requirements:  fees, required credentials, essays, and deadlines
  • Register to take the SAT and/or ACT at least once in the fall, by early November for schools with late fall deadlines 
    Which scores should I send?  Click here for Rider's policy on SAT Score Choice.
  • Find out the recommended topics of your colleges’ essay question(s).  Write your essays to address the questions asked and have a teacher or counselor review your essay before you submit it.
    
    
• Fall:
  • Request that official transcripts be sent to the schools to which you are applying
  • Be sure to have your official SAT/ACT scores sent directly to Rider (Rider's codes are * SAT I: 2758 and  ACT: 2590) 
  • Request letters of recommendation early enough that recommenders can meet  your application deadlines 
  • Visit any of your remaining colleges by early November  link to visit options at Rider
  • Contact your personal admission counselor at the college and ask any questions you may still have about the institution.  
  • If colleges have an online application, consider applying electronically.  
  • Begin applications well in advance of deadlines and complete the application thoughtfully and thoroughly.  Do not leave any questions blank.
  • Submit your applications by stated deadlines!
    
    
• Winter:
  • Verify the receipt of you application and all required credentials.  
  • Attend Financial Aid Workshops
  • In January, visit the FAFSA web site and create an account. Review the FAFSA and submit by March 1.
  • If you have not received a decision yet, send updated grades (mid-year)
  • Once accepted, review your admission packet carefully, noting any deadlines and requirements for securing enrollment (deposits, housing deadlines, testing, orientation)
    
    
• Spring:
  • Once accepted, review your admission packet carefully, noting any deadlines and requirements for securing enrollment (deposits, housing deadlines, testing, orientation)
  • Keep your grades up through the end of the senior year!
  • May 1:Candidate's Reply Date – deposit at your selected college
  • Write to the colleges you have not selected to inform that that you plan to enroll elsewhere
  • Send AP scores and transcripts of any college courses you have taken
    
    
• Summer:
  • In June, request that your school counselor to send your selected college your final official high school transcript
  • Attend testing and orientation programs