March is upon us, and we’re looking forward to better weather, warmer temperatures, and longer days when we spring forward this month. Help your students get motivated through the last of the cold winter days with our latest College Planning Calendar, featuring lots of important observances, valuable resources, and fun holidays during the month of March.
General monthly planning
- 9th grade: New high schoolers are just a few months away from completing their first year. That’s a big deal! Help them get to the finish line with Our Best Advice for Your First Year of High School.
- 10th grade: You know about senioritis, but have you ever heard of the sophomore slump? Encourage your second-year students to finish the semester strong with advice on How to Avoid the Sophomore Slump in High School.
- 11th grade: Hopefully by now, juniors have started building a college list and planning for standardized tests. Spring is the best time to take the next step in the college search by going on campus visits or taking virtual online tours!
- 12th grade: As college acceptances start to roll in over the next couple months, seniors really need to home in on what they want in a post–high school experience and what offers them the best benefits. Help them navigate the whole process with advice on How to Compare Your College Financial Aid Award Packages and 5 Thoughtful Steps to Help You Make Your Final College Decision.
Month-long observances and events
- Women’s History Month: Support and promote strong women this month and beyond by reading our Women’s History Month content.
- National Nutrition Month: Nutrition is extremely important for high school and college students, especially as they learn to care for themselves with increasing independence. Help them out by sharing our articles and advice on nutrition.
- Red Cross Month: During the month of March, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to donate blood to those in need. Did you know they also host a scholarship program for students called Leaders Save Lives? Check it out!
- National Foreign Language Month: Learning a foreign language can be extremely beneficial for students personally, academically, and professionally. If they’re wondering how, share our article on How Knowing a Foreign Language Can Help Your Career.
- Social Work Month: This month recognizes the importance and supports the progressions of social work careers and professionals. If your students are wondering what a future in this pivotal profession might look like, have them check out our article on What Can You Do With a Social Work Degree?
- Lent: Lent is observed for over a month in the Christian religion to commemorate the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. It commences on Ash Wednesday (March 5), when fasting begins, and ends on April 17 or 19 (depending on faith denomination), just before Easter Sunday. We wish a reflective Lent to all those who honor the tradition.
Saturday, March 1
New CollegeXpress easy monthly scholarship contest opens
There’s a new easy scholarship contest from CollegeXpress this month! From March 1–31, students can enter for a chance to win $500 with our CollegeXpress March Madness Scholarship. Just create a free CX account (or log back in) and answer this question: Who is your favorite college mascot? That’s it!
National Peace Corps Day
The Peace Corps is a volunteer program that sends trained Americans all over the world to help others. National Peace Corps Day commemorates its founding by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
Sunday, March 2
National Read Across America Day
What better way to spend a Saturday than curled up with a book? The National Education Association promotes literacy across the nation today, with an overall goal to promote the habit of reading and create a nation of diverse readers. To make things super easy, we have a ton of book recommendations right here on CollegeXpress that students can pick up!
Wednesday, March 5
Free SAT prep course
Kaplan is offering more free prep classes geared toward helping students prepare for the SAT. Students can sign up for the first Digital SAT Live Online Trial Class this month on Wednesday the 5th from 8:00–10:00 pm ET.
Saturday, March 8
International Women’s Day
We’re celebrating women all month long, but be sure to give the women in your life some extra appreciation today on International Women’s Day during International Women’s Week!
SAT test date
Saturday the 8th is an SAT test date for students around the country.
Sunday, March 9
Daylight Saving Time begins
Don’t forget to set your clocks one hour forward Saturday night and get ready to enjoy longer days (and hopefully some warmer weather)!
Monday, March 10
Free SAT prep course
The next free Digital SAT Live Online Trial Class from Kaplan that students can sign up for this month will take place on Monday the 10th from 7:00–9:00 pm ET.
Tuesday, March 11
College Essay Guy webinars
Each month, the College Essay Guy (Ethan Sawyer) packs his calendar full of webinars and events on everything from personal statement writing to skill building to understanding college finances. Offerings on Tuesday the 11th include two sessions for counselors on How to Write an Outstanding Personal Statement. Be sure to share and check out all his resources for counselors, parents, and students, and encourage those from low-income households to inquire about pay-what-you-can options.
Wednesday, March 12
Keep an eye out for college acceptances
Mid-March to early April is when college admission decision emails are sent to students who applied for Regular Decision. Make sure your students are keeping their eyes on their inboxes and prepare to start reviewing their acceptances to make a timely final decision!
- Our Best Advice on Making Your Final College Decision: Having trouble deciding where to spend the next four years? Here are our top articles on how to make your final college decision, all in one place.
Friday, March 14
National Pi Day
Pizza pie, apple pie, 3.14159—whatever your favorite pie is, be sure to celebrate this fun academic-based holiday with your students!
- Math in the Real World: A Look at Experts in the Field: Encourage math-loving students to pursue it in college by showing them what kinds of careers they could pursue in the future—there are a lot of options!
Saturday, March 15
Free SAT prep course
This Digital SAT Live Online Trial Class is the last chance for students to get SAT prep assistance from Kaplan this month. The last session will be on Saturday the 15th from 9:00–11:00 am ET.
Sunday, March 16
ACT late registration deadline
Today is the late registration deadline for the April 5 ACT test date (late fees apply).
Monday, March 17
St. Patrick’s Day
Also known as the Feast of Saint Patrick, this day honors the Irish patron saint and is the perfect opportunity to wear some green. Erin go Bragh!
Tuesday, March 18
National Agriculture Day
It’s time to celebrate the contributions agriculture provides to our daily lives during Agriculture Day and Week. Students interested in a related college major and career path should check out our agriculture scholarship listings!
Thursday, March 20
First day of spring
Celebrate what the Earth provides by getting outside and appreciating the blooming world around you on the first day of spring!
Sunday, March 23
Free scholarship and digital SAT webinar for parents
Prep Expert’s Dr. Shaan Patel is offering his revamped free parents webinar on strategies to help teens win college scholarships and ace the digital SAT. The webinar will take place on Sunday the 23rd at 5:00 pm ET. Be sure to share this opportunity with parents and students to help them learn about the online test format!
Wednesday, March 26
CollegeXpress Day (aka Make Up Your Own Holiday Day)
What better holiday could there be than one that celebrates CollegeXpress? Thanks for being a part of our community and utilizing us for all your college planning needs!
- The Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Use CollegeXpress: If your students have been reluctant to sign up for a free account, help them see why it’s a great resource in their college search with this comprehensive overview of our site.
Monday, March 31
CollegeXpress quarterly scholarship deadlines
Did you know that CollegeXpress offers two quarterly scholarships for registered users? Our First-Generation Students Scholarship is worth $1,000, and our Educational Empowerment Scholarship is worth $1,500. Like our monthly awards, they only ask students to register on CollegeXpress and answer an easy question—no long essays required! (Applicants must also be US citizens 13 years or older.) Remind your students about both contests before they close on Monday the 31st!
CollegeXpress March Madness Scholarship deadline
Today is also the last day for students to enter for a chance to win $500 with our CollegeXpress March Madness Scholarship. Just create a free CX account (or log back in) and tell us who your favorite college sports mascot is. It’s as simple as that for students to try and win more money for college!
