College and Career Exploration
🎓 College Planning Checklist
For Rising Seniors (Class of 2026):
Summer Before Senior Year (July–August 2025):
✅ Narrow your college list (aim for 5–10 schools)
✅ Visit campuses or take virtual tours
✅ Create a professional email address
✅ Start your Common App or GA Futures profile
✅ Begin a resume of your activities, awards, and leadership roles
August–September 2025:
✅ Ask teachers for recommendation letters early
✅ Write and revise your personal statement/essays
✅ Register for SAT/ACT if needed
✅ Submit applications for schools with early deadlines
✅ Start applying for scholarships (local and national)
October 2025:
🎯 FAFSA Opens – October 1, 2025
Apply early for the best aid opportunities: https://studentaid.gov
🎯 Georgia Match Program Launches
Log into GA Futures to see which GA colleges pre-match with your HOPE GPA
November 2025:
✅ Keep track of all deadlines with a spreadsheet or checklist
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UGA Early Action: October 15, 2025
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Georgia Tech Early Action: October 15 (GA Resident)
December 2025–January 2026:
✅ Submit Regular Decision applications
✅ Monitor FAFSA status and any verification requests
✅ Watch for HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship eligibility updates
March–April 2026:
✅ Review college acceptances & financial aid offers
✅ Appeal or ask for additional aid if needed
May 1, 2026:
🎯 National College Decision Day – Choose your college & submit your deposit!
For Rising Juniors (Class of 2027):
Summer Before Junior Year (July–August 2025):
✅ Explore careers and majors using GA Futures
✅ Volunteer, intern, or take part in summer programs
✅ Start a resume or brag sheet
Fall 2025 (September–November):
✅ Take the PSAT – October 2025 (Qualifies you for National Merit)
✅ Research colleges and make a preliminary list
✅ Attend college fairs or virtual info sessions
Winter–Spring 2026:
✅ Take the SAT or ACT for the first time (spring is a great starting point)
✅ Visit colleges during spring break
✅ Continue strong academics—your HOPE GPA starts counting from 9th grade
End of Junior Year (May–June 2026):
✅ Ask teachers to write recommendations in advance
✅ Make a summer plan for application prep, essays, and test retakes if needed