Ready, Set, Go! 

Junior Year:

·         September

   o        Check with your counselor to make sure your course credits will meet college requirements.

   o        Be sure you are involved in one or two extracurricular activities.

   o        Begin narrowing your personal list of colleges, 2 colleges you can get in for sure, 3 colleges that are your dream schools and 2 schools that match your profile. 

·         October

   o        Register for and take the PSAT. 

·         November

   o        Strive to get the best grades you can. A serious effort will provide you with the most options during the application process. 

·         December

   o        Get involved in a community service activity.

   o        Begin to read newspapers and a weekly news magazine.

   o        Buy SAT or ACT Study tool and begin to study for the tests. 

·         January

   o        With your school counselor, decide when to take the ACT, SAT I, and SAT II Subject Tests (and which Subject Tests to take). 

   o        Keep your Grades UP! 

·         February

   o        Plan a challenging schedule of for your senior year.

   o        Think about which teachers you will ask to write recommendations.

   o        Check www.nacac.com/fairs for schedules and locations of college fairs 

·         March

   o        Register for the tests you will take this spring (ACT, SAT I, and SAT II test).

   o        Meet with your school counselor to discuss college choices.

   o        Review your transcript and test scores with your counselor to determine how competitive your range of choices should be.

   o        Update your list of 2 colleges you can get in for sure, 3 colleges that are your dream schools and 2 schools that match your profile and search for information on them.

   o        Start scheduling campus visits. When school is in session (but never during final exams) is the best time.  Summers are OK, but will not show you what the college is really like.  If possible, save your top college choices for the fall.  Be aware, however, that fall is the busiest visit season, and you will need advance planning.  Don’t forget to write thank-you letters to your interviewers. 

·         April

   o        Take any standardized tests for which you have registered.

   o        Use your list of potential college choices and begin to record personal and academic information that can later be transferred to your college applications.

   o        Update your resume.

·         May

   o        Plan college visits and make appointments

   o        Identify if you need to retake the ACT, SAT I, and SAT II, and register for test as necessary for the June test dates.

   o        Structure your summer plans to include advanced academic work, travel, volunteer work, or a job.

   o        Confirm your academic schedule for the fall. 

·         Summer

   o        Begin working on your application essays.

   o        Email any colleges on you list that does not accept the common Application to request applications forms.

   o        Identify if you need to retake the ACT, SAT I, and SAT II, and register for test as necessary for the October test dates and prep.