September OES Newsletter

Dear OES Families,

The Early Decision and Early Action deadlines fall on October 15, November 1, 15, and December 1. September is when the Common Application moves from in progress to nearly done.

Here's an overview for the month.

Seniors (Class of 2027): Start the busy work of early applications.

Since all of you have EA or ED deadlines, here is what you need to focus on:

• Finished, revised personal essay
• Every supplemental essay drafted for their early action schools
• Letters of recommendation formally requested from teachers
• Early applications should essentially be finished by mid-October, so November 1 is a review-and-submit date, not a scramble.

Juniors (Class of 2028): PSAT.

The PSAT/NMSQT is administered at most high schools in October. For high scorers, it's the entry point to National Merit, and for everyone it's a low-stakes read on where SAT/ACT prep should start.

This is also the month to begin a genuine college list. Think of what your student actually wants: size, distance from home, cost, the campus location and the feel of a place.

Get ready for FAFSA & CSS.

The FAFSA for the 2027–28 school year opens October 1. If your family's income is below $200,000, I suggest completing the FAFSA.

Many private colleges also require the CSS Profile, which opens on October 1; check whether any school on your student's list requires it.

Test prep: Upcoming SAT & ACT dates.

The Oct. 3 SAT is the last national SAT before Nov. 1 deadlines.

SAT — Upcoming dates:

• Oct. 3, 2026 — Registration deadline: Sept. 18

ACT — Upcoming national dates (these apply to Montana students):

• Oct. 17, 2026 — Registration deadline: Sept. 11
• Dec. 12, 2026 — Registration deadline: Nov. 6

Verify exact SAT and ACT dates and registration deadlines at collegeboard.org and act.org.

Key dates

• September 11: ACT registration deadline for the Oct. 17 test
• September 18: SAT registration deadline for the Oct. 3 test
• October (school-scheduled): PSAT/NMSQT for juniors — confirm the date with your school
• October 1: FAFSA opens for the 2027–28 academic year
• October 1: CSS Profile opens for 2027–28 (required by many private colleges)
• November 1: Most Early Decision / Early Action application deadlines

Work with OES

O'Donnell Educational Solutions partners with families across four areas: college counseling, career counseling, gap year advising, and boarding school consulting. Whether your student is finishing early applications, building a list, weighing a gap year, or considering a move to boarding school, the right guidance at the right moment makes the whole process clearer and less stressful.

If you're interested in my services or know someone who might benefit, please have them reach out to book a free consultation.

Here's to a focused fall. As always, I'm here if you have any questions.

Jack O'Donnell