Veterans Timeline

Getting ready to apply for college?

When going to college as a veteran, use this page to find support programs, benefits just for veterans, and other steps to take as you transition to student life.

  • Get your GPA as high as you can.
  • Join a club or sport for four years.
  • Start volunteering.
  • Start drafting your resume.
  • Start reading/researching.
  • Maintain or raise your GPA.
  • Be active in a few clubs or sports.
  • Continue volunteering.
  • Continue reading/researching.
  • Take PSAT and PLAN (October).
  • Take SAT Subject Tests for AP classes (May).
  • Update your resume.
  • Do something interesting during summer.
  • Do your test prep in summer before 11th grade
  • Schedule/take all SAT/ACT.
  • Identify two target teachers for rec letters.
  • Begin to think about leadership in high school.
  • Go on campus visits.
  • Finalize college list (10 max).
  • Attend college rep visits and college fair.
  • Continue volunteering, activities, reading.
  • Ask target teachers for letters of recommendation (May).
  • Finalize your resume.
  • Do something brainy over the summer.
  • Write all essays in summer before 12th grade.
  • Give recommendation letter writers your college list and resume.
  • Try to serve in a leadership role.
  • Edit all essays.
  • Attend college rep visits and college fair.
  • College interviews.
  • Send test scores and transcripts to colleges.
  • Apply to colleges.
  • Apply for financial aid and scholarships.
  • Fight to get off of the waitlist.
  • Decide where to go to college!