September

• Take Practice PSAT for test in October.
• Register for the PSAT.
• Sign up for extracurricular activities.

October

• Attend college fairs in your area.
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
• Be sure to check “yes” for Student Search Service on the test to hear about colleges and scholarships.

December

• You will receive your scores from the PSAT.  Use that as a guide for the upcoming SAT you will take in the spring.
• Talk to friends about college who are home for the holidays.

January

• Start to gather personal information that you will need for college applications (social security number…etc.).
• Collect all the college information you will begin to receive and organize it by demographics, majors and extra-curricular activities.

February

• Attend scheduled seminars with your guidance counselor.
• Register for the March SAT.
• Schedule visitations to colleges of interest for the spring.  ***Be sure to visit when school is in session and set up an interview with admissions officers.***
• Strive to maintain good grades and have involvement in activities.

March

• Research colleges about admissions (grades, SAT scores, high school rank), application process (forms and deadlines), and finances (cost of attendance, financial aid, etc.)
• Inquire about the ACT test.  See if it might be more appropriate for you.

April

• Testing – ACT is usually offered at this time of year.  Look into the May or June SAT.
• Senior year class selection.  Be sure to keep a challenging curriculum.
• Attend local college fairs.

May

• Take the ACT, SAT exams that you have registered for.
• Look into getting a summer job or apply for enrichment programs.

June

• Set your summer schedule.
• Talk to teachers about writing letters of recommendation for you.

July & August

• Update your resume with junior year activities & accomplishments.
• Start thinking about college majors related to your interests & career goals.
• Request applications, brochures and financial aid information from the colleges that interest you.