Take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship
Qualifying Test) in October! (See our "PSAT Information" page for
specific dates & information)
Start Your College Search
*
Start with YOU! Make lists of your abilities, preferences and personal
qualities. List things you may want to study and do in college.
* Jump start your college planning by researching majors and careers.
* Use College Search through College Board (
http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/search/index.jsp) to find colleges with the right characteristics.
Begin Thinking About Financial Aid
*
Talk to your counselor about your college plans. Use the financial aid
calculators to estimate your aid eligibility and college costs.
Get Ready for The SAT
* Prepare for the SAT
by signing up in the guidance office to take the PSAT in October! Practice by taking a free full-length official practice test (
http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-practice-test).
Then get a score and skill report. Learn which skill you need to
improve. Be sure to sign up for the official SAT question of the day for
daily practice - also through www.collegeboard.org.
Schedule Your Spring Testing
*
You can take either the SAT or up to three SAT Subject Tests on one
test day. See the SAT information page for the SAT schedule of test
dates.
Explore Colleges
* Start visiting
local colleges; large, small, public and private. Get a feel for what
works for you. Develop an initial list of colleges that interest you.
*
Pick up a copy of the "College Comparison Worksheet" in the guidance
office to help you compare colleges you're interested in.
Plan Ahead for the Summer and Senior Year
* Review your senior year class schedule with your counselor.
*Plan
summer activities early. Enrich yourself by volunteering, getting an
interesting job or internship or signing up for special summer learning
programs.
Keep up Your Momentum
* Visit
colleges. Take campus tours and schedule interviews with admissions
counselors at the colleges you are serious about. Be sure to bring your
"Campus Visit Checklist" (found at
http://www.collegeanswer.com/global/checklists/VisitChecklist.pdf)
*
Request applications from the colleges you are planning to apply to.
Check important dates, some colleges have early dates or rolling
admission.