We know back-to-school season can be hectic. That’s why we want to keep you and your student on track with the best resources and information. Help new and returning high school students start the academic year off right by planning ahead with this month's edition of the CollegeXpress College Planning Calendar! We’ll walk you through important holidays, standardized test dates, free webinars, and more coming up in the month of September. Welcome back!
General college prep and planning
- 9th grade: Starting high school is a major change for students! Make sure they don't get blindsided with silly advice that won’t help them in the long run.
- 10th grade: They may not want to start thinking about it yet, but here are 8 Advantages of Starting Your College Search Early to convince sophomores that now is the time to get ahead.
- 11th grade: There are a lot of misconceptions about what junior year is really like. Clear some of those things up with 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Junior Year of High School.
- 12th grade: There’s not much time before seniors need to dive into college admission responsibilities! Prep them by sharing four important things they should do as they start their last year of high school.
- First-year college students: New undergrads are in for an adjustment period as their first semester begins. If you’re in touch with any of your former students, help them prepare by sharing Our Best Advice for Freshman Year of College.
Month-long observances and events
- National Suicide Prevention Month: This important month of recognition also includes Suicide Prevention Week, which starts on September 9. If you or someone you know needs help or confidential support, contact the free National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
- National Deaf Awareness Month: Deaf Awareness Month also includes the International Day of Sign Languages and International Week of Deaf People, which starts on September 23. Learn more from the American Society for Deaf Children and the World Federation of the Deaf.
- Self-Improvement Month: Encourage students to work on themselves with The Best Back-to-School Advice From Real Students Like You.
- Classical Music Month: Classical music has evolved a lot over time, and many students still learn classical instruments when they’re young. Be sure to celebrate their musical accomplishments this month!
- Hispanic Heritage Month: Learn more about this cultural celebration below!
Sunday, September 1
New CollegeXpress easy monthly scholarship opens
A new month means a new easy scholarship contest from CX! Get ready for chill air, falling leaves, and pumpkin spice everything with our Fall Flavor Frenzy Scholarship! Starting on September 1, students can register on CollegeXpress (or log back in) and choose their favorite fall flavor (pumpkin spice, apple cider, or neither?) for a chance to win $1,200.
Monday, September 2
Labor Day
Happy Labor Day! Enjoy your long weekend!
Tuesday, September 3
Free SAT prep class
Students can prep for the SAT test date coming up in October by signing up for a Digital SAT Online Trial Class with Kaplan on Tuesday the 3rd from 7:30–9:30 pm ET.
Wednesday, September 4
Free ACT prep class
Kaplan is also offering their usual monthly ACT Live Online Trial Classes to help students prepare for the standardized test. The first of four free sessions planned this month takes place on Wednesday the 4th from 7:00–9:00 pm ET.
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. Be sure to check out all his webinar offers for counselors, parents, and students this month, and encourage those from low-income households to inquire about pay-what-you-can options.
Thursday, September 5
Digital SAT webinar for parents
Kaplan is taking the initiative this month to connect with parents and help them master their role in standardized testing with their Gaining the Advantage: A Parent’s Guide to the Digital SAT webinar taking place on Thursday the 5th from 8:00–9:00 pm ET.
Friday, September 6
Fight Procrastination Day
Most students succumb to procrastination at one point or another! Have them check out the “procrastination” tag on CollegeXpress for great articles and advice on how to fight it.
SAT scores released
Scores for the August 24 SAT test date should be released today and will be sent to colleges within 10 days.
Saturday, September 7
Free SAT prep class
Students who miss the first session can sign up for a Digital SAT Online Trial Class with Kaplan on Saturday the 7th from 2:00–4:00 pm ET.
Sunday, September 8
International Literacy Day
Literacy and learning go hand in hand! Learn more about world literacy from the International Literacy Association, then drop everything and celebrate with 6 Great Book Recommendations Based on Popular College Majors.
Monday, September 9
Start of National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week
This week starts just before the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month and recognizes the hundreds of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) that work to support and educate Hispanic students across the country.
- How to Celebrate and Honor Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week: Learn how you can get involved in the celebration of these valuable colleges and universities!
Wednesday, September 11
Patriot Day
This day commemorates the lives lost in the World Trade Center terrorist attacks over 20 years ago. May they rest in peace.
Friday, September 13
National Stand Up to Cancer Day
This day is promoted by Stand Up to Cancer, a charitable organization that helps fund and develop promising cancer treatments for patients. Consider donating to help people, including students who may still be pursuing education, get the treatment they deserve!
Saturday, September 14
ACT test date
Today is an ACT test date at centers across the country.
Start of National Coding Week
Coding is a valuable skill that’s useful to students pursuing many different fields. Not sure how to convince them? Have them check out our blog on Why It's Important for Students to Learn How to Code.
Sunday, September 15
First day of Hispanic Heritage Month
A celebration of all things Hispanic culture, encourage your students to spend this month learning about the history of Hispanic people and the important impact they’ve had on our country.
- Great Scholarship Opportunities in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month: There are scholarships for Hispanic and Latino/a students of all levels as well as those with an affinity for the community. Be sure to share these great year-round opportunities with your students!
Monday, September 16
Mexican Independence Day
Today marks the anniversary of when Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1810.
Tuesday, September 17
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
Many people immigrate to the US for educational reasons, often seeking US citizenship as well. Today celebrates the process of becoming an American.
- College Challenges and Solutions for Undocumented Students in the US: Learn about challenges faced by undocumented students in the college search to help them through the process better.
Free ACT prep class
Kaplan’s next ACT Live Online Trial Class will take place on Tuesday the 17th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET.
Wednesday, September 18
US Air Force Day
Today honors the founding of the Air Force branch of the US Military in 1947.
Friday, September 20
SAT regular registration deadline
Today is the regular registration deadline for the October 5 SAT test date.
ACT regular registration deadline
Today is the regular registration deadline for the October 26 ACT test date.
World Cleanup Day
Coordinated by the global organization Let’s Do It!, World Cleanup Day is a global social action program dedicated to cleaning up our planet. Encourage your students to get out there and make the world a little more beautiful!
Sunday, September 22
American Business Women’s Day
Encourage rising businesswomen to seek support in the right places and stand out in the business world with our blog on 10 Great Academic and Professional Groups for Women.
First day of autumn
Welcome to fall weather, football, apple cider, and pumpkin-picking season!
Free SAT/ACT scores webinar for parents
Like usual, Prep Expert’s Dr. Shaan Patel is offering a revamped free parents webinar on strategies to help teens win college scholarships and ace the new digital SAT. The event will take place on Sunday, September 22nd at 2:00 pm ET. Be sure to share this opportunity to help parents and students who are still familiarizing themselves with the new test format!
Tuesday, September 24
SAT late registration deadline
Today is the deadline for changes, cancellations, and late registration for the October 5 SAT test date.
ACT scores released
Scores for the September 14 ACT test date should be released between today and November 8.
Saturday, September 28
Free ACT prep class
Students may find it easier to make this ACT Live Online Trial Class since it’s on the weekend. Make sure they sign up for this Saturday session from 1:00–3:00 pm ET before spots fill up!
Sunday, September 29
National Podcast Day
Podcasts are a great way to learn, pass the time, and widen your perspective on certain topics. Encourage your students to pick up one of these 8 Great Podcasts to Help You Learn and Celebrate Black History.
Monday, September 30
Free ACT prep class
This is the last chance to sign up for an ACT Live Online Trial Class this month before the next test date in October! This one takes place on Monday the 20th from 7:00–9:00 pm ET.
CollegeXpress Scholarship for Students of Color deadline
Another scholarship deadline to meet! Students of color can apply for this quarterly award by creating a free account or logging back into CollegeXpress and answering this question in just one sentence: What is your dream career to pursue after high school? They could win $1,500 plus a $500 donation to the charity of their choice!
CollegeXpress Fall Flavor Frenzy Scholarship deadline
Today is the deadline for our Fall Flavor Frenzy Scholarship! Make sure your students don’t miss this chance to win $1,200 just by telling us their favorite fall flavor.
As a new school year kicks off, one thing is for sure: All students should be taking the time to research colleges and apply for scholarships—easy things to do right here on CollegeXpress when you register or log back in!
