Freshman Year (9th Grade)
Focus
- Strengthen academics, explore high school course options which align with potential major interests.
- Build savings momentum and begin to review colleges based on asset, income and potential future earnings profile.
College Application Steps
- Continue rigorous coursework and maintain good grades.
- Take the PSAT in the fall (practice for SAT/ACT and potential National Merit Scholarship eligibility).
Financial Aid Steps
- Parents: Increase 529 plan contributions if possible; explore state tax benefits for 529 plans.
Saving for College
- Parents: Open a 529 college savings plan (tax-advantaged account) if not already started; contribute regularly, even small amounts. As of 2025, the parent contribution from assets after applicable deductions is 12%.
- Students: Take on a part-time job (e.g., tutoring, retail) or seasonal work (e.g., summer camp) and save a portion (e.g., 50%) of earnings.
- Sign up for Irnerius to see more!
Sophomore Year (10th Grade)
Focus
- Build a strong foundation and start saving early.
- Maintain strong grades. GPA starts now!
College Application Steps
- Meet with school counselor to plan a strong academic schedule
- Take challenging courses (e.g., honors or advanced classes if available)
Financial Aid Steps
- Learn about financial aid basics (e.g., grants, loans, scholarships) via school counselors or studentaid.gov.
Saving for College
- Parents: Open a 529 college savings plan (tax-advantaged account) if not already started; contribute regularly, even small amounts. As of 2025, the parent contribution from assets after applicable deductions is 12%.
- Sign up for Irnerius to see more!
Junior Year (11th Grade)
Focus
- Prepare for applications, testing, and accelerate savings.
- Narrow academic major interests.
College Application Steps
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT (October) for National Merit Scholarship consideration.
- Take the SAT/ACT (February, March, or April).
Financial Aid Steps
- Learn about the FAFSA, CSS Profile and institutional aid and its requirements (e.g., tax info, parent income).
Saving for College
- Parents: Review 529 plan performance and adjust contributions or investments as needed; consider lump-sum deposits (e.g., tax refunds).
- Students: Work a summer job and save aggressively (e.g., 75% of earnings); deposit funds into a high-yield savings account for better interest.
- Sign up for Irnerius to see more!
Senior Year (12th Grade)
Focus
- Apply, secure financial aid, and decide where to enroll
College Application Steps
Fall (August–December)
- Finalize your college list and application strategy
- Make note of application deadlines
- Early action/early decision
Winter (January–March)
- Submit any remaining applications (Regular/Rolling deadlines)
- Update colleges with mid-year grades if requested
Spring (April–May)
- Review financial aid award letters
- Compare cost of attendance, grant/loan breakdowns, and net costs
- Sign up for Irnerius to see more!
Sign up here to gain access to the full timeline and the Irnerius platform, with tools to help you along your journey!