timeline Planning

Freshman & Sophomore Years

• Start a resume: Track extracurriculars, honors, leadership roles, community service.

• Build relationships: Start connecting with teachers, counselors, and mentors for future recommendations.

• Explore interests: Join clubs, volunteer, and seek leadership opportunities.

• Research: Begin understanding what scholarships are out there and what they require.

Junior Year

Fall (Aug–Oct):

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT for National Merit consideration.

• Research scholarships that open early (some are available to juniors).

• Attend college and scholarship info sessions.
  
  

Winter (Nov–Jan):

• Build a scholarship tracker (spreadsheet or app).

• Draft a personal statement/essay (can be used for multiple apps).

• Start browsing specific college scholarship portals.
  
  

Spring (Feb–May):

• Ask for letters of recommendation.

• Apply for local/niche scholarships with spring deadlines.

• Consider summer programs that look great on applications.

Senior Year

Summer Before Senior Year (June–Aug):

• Finalize resume.

• Start main scholarship essays.

• Identify recommenders and request letters early.

• Create a master calendar for deadlines.
  
  

Fall (Sept–Nov):

• Apply to early-deadline scholarships (ex: Coca-Cola, Jack Kent Cooke, QuestBridge).

• Submit college apps early if required for school-specific scholarships.

• Attend local scholarship workshops and fairs.
  
  

Winter (Dec–Feb):

• Apply for state and local scholarships (many open during this window).

• Update FAFSA and financial aid info (WV deadline = April 15 for maximum aid).

• Submit all rolling and ongoing apps.
  
  

Spring (Mar–May):

• Check for smaller/local scholarships still open.

• Notify schools of any external awards.

• Send thank-you notes to scholarship providers.

• Submit required documents (proof of enrollment, transcripts, etc.).