Roberts Wesleyan College Roberts Wesleyan College Roberts Wesleyan College

Parents & Family

Studies show that parents are a significant influence on their child’s college search. This is even truer of parents whose students are considering attending a Christian college. Therefore, it is important that you are involved in the college admissions processes!

To assist you in this process, we encourage you to take advantage of the following information:

Calendar for College Planning

Calendar for College Planning

Junior High:

  • It’s never too early to begin thinking about college. The high school years will go quickly. Junior high is the time to plan and prepare for the college prep courses in high school.
  • Continue developing good study habits. Go above and beyond your teacher’s expectations!
  • Get involved! The junior high years are great years to try new things.
  • Get involved with the music program.
  • Join the church youth group.
  • Volunteer in your community.
  • Go out for a sport at your school.

High School Freshmen:

  • Challenge yourself with the courses you select. Take the college preparatory classes!
  • Tag along with older brothers and/or sisters as they visit colleges/universities.
  • Get involved in activities at school, church and in your community.

High School Sophomore:

  • Continue taking college prep courses.
  • Collect information on PSATs, SATs, ACTs.
  • Begin thinking about types of colleges and potential majors.
  • Attend a college night in your area.
  • Begin researching colleges. Talk with your guidance counselor and explore college websites and college search engines.

High School Junior:

  • September:
    • Start to visit colleges throughout the Fall and Spring. Consider the following criteria:
      • Location
      • Size
      • Cost
      • Facilities
      • Available majors
      • Reputation
      • Competitiveness
      • Community
      • Student Body Characteristics
      • Co-curricular activities
      • Call the schools you are interested in and ask to be placed on their mailing list and check their website for additional information.
      • Visit with colleges who come to your high school during the fall.
      • Register for the PSAT (if you have not already done so)
  • October:
    • Take PSATs.
  • November/December:
    • Take SATs (maybe: ACTs in spring of junior year rather than December).
  • Spring:
    • Make more college visits.
    • Attend spring junior open houses, college nights and programs sponsored at your high school. Stay overnight on college campuses as opportunity allows.
  • Summer:
    • College tours and interviews. Contact athletic coaches if you are interested in playing sports in college.

High School Senior:

  • September:
    • Obtain college applications-make note of each college’s deadline to apply.
    • Start asking for letters of recommendation.
    • This may be the last chance to register for the SAT and ACT. If you have not taken these exams, find out when you can register for them.
    • Throughout the fall, meet with college representatives of the schools you are considering who are visiting your high school.
  • October:
    • Continue to make college visits.
    • Obtain financial aid information from colleges of interest-take note of each college’s financial aid deadline for applying for aid.
    • Look into scholarships-check local organizations and businesses as well as internet resources.  (See web links for suggested sites).
    • Take ACT and/or SAT.
    • Work to complete and submit your college applications.
  • November/December:
    • Take ACT and or SAT.
    • If you have not already completed admissions applications do so before the end of December.
  • December:
    • Take ACT and/or SAT.
  • January/February:
    • Complete Income Taxes.
    • File Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • April:
    • Review financial aid awards from the colleges to which you have applied.
    • Attend programs for accepted seniors e.g. Preview Day or Preview Overnight.
    • Make your final decision on which college you plan to attend and notify the appropriate office. Also notify other colleges you have applied to that you are declining admission.
  • May:
    • May 1st Deadline—National deadline to deposit at a college. Be aware to secure a place in the freshman class—you must make this non-refundable deposit.
  • June:
    • Attend summer orientation! RWConnection.
    • Find a summer job and save, save, save!
  • July/August:
    • Watch for your housing and roommate assignment.
    • Contact your roommate and begin to make plans for your room.
    • Be sure you have completed all of the necessary paper work.
    • Bills are due by the middle of August for the first semester.
    • Attend Fall Orientation.

Web Links:

Career Information websites:

Trying to decide on a college major and/or future career?  Visit the sites below for some added assistance.