Begin the college selection process. Attend college fairs and parent and student meetings, to learn as much as you can about this complex process.

SEPTEMBER

• Take the October PSAT
• Save samples of your best academic work for your academic portfolio.
• Maintain your co-curricular record.
• Visit Naviance website!
• Make sure you are meeting NCAA requirements if you want play sports in college. (www.ncaa.org)
• Visit colleges as they come to the College Center throughout the fall. We will have more than 100 colleges come in to discuss their college with interested students. Register to attend a visit with the secretary in the College Center prior to the day of the visit.

OCTOBER

• Junior year PSAT scores may qualify a student for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. So, even though these scores will not be used for college admission, it is a good idea to take the PSAT. The more times you take the test, the more comfortable and familiar you become with it. The PSAT is great practice and should be a part of a college bound junior’s testing plan. 
• Visit colleges as they come to the College Center throughout the fall. We will have more than 100 colleges come in to discuss their college with interested students. Register to attend these visits in Naviance prior to the day of the visit.

NOVEMBER

• Junior year grades are very important in the college admission process. Stay on top of your grades this year. They could determine which colleges you are accepted to and the amount of scholarship money you might receive.
• Begin to do in depth research on how to finance college as a family.
• Register now for the ACT and SAT1. Make a college testing schedule for the rest of the year and next and pay close attention to testing deadlines!

DECEMBER

• Attend the College Center’s Junior College Meeting led by Mrs. Cuthbert. This extensive, in depth look at the college selection process addresses college testing, grades, and preparation for college.
• Review your PSAT score report. Identify your testing strengths and weaknesses.
• Take or prepare for the ACT/SAT

JANUARY

• Begin to make a preliminary list of colleges you would like to investigate further.
• Obtain a Social Security number if you do not already have one.

FEBRUARY

• Meet with your counselor to discuss your college list.
• Register and prepare for ACT/SAT's.

MARCH

• Write, telephone, or use the internet to request information from colleges on your list.
• VISIT colleges! A college can appear to be the perfect match for you, but until you visit you will not know for sure.

APRIL

• Be sure to challenge yourself academically when scheduling for your senior year. Colleges are increasing the amount of weight they give to your senior course schedule in the college admission process.
• Register for the appropriate ACT or SAT exam that you will need.
• Continue to evaluate your college list. Add or drop schools as they gain or lose your interest.
• Look into summer academic or enrichment programs. Colleges love to see students using their knowledge and developing skills and interests.

MAY

• Visit colleges and work on your college list.
• AP Exams.

JUNE

• Take the SAT Subject tests (if needed), SAT or ACT
• If you are an athlete and plan to play sports in college, complete the NCAA Clearinghouse form (available in the College Center).

JULY/AUGUST

• Visit colleges and continue to refine your list.
• Begin preparing for the application process. Draft application essays, collect writing samples, and assemble portfolios or audition tapes.
• If you are planning to play sports in college, contact coaches at the schools which interest you.
• Begin to look into scholarships at colleges and others that are out there. One of the best sites out there (and it is free) is www.fastweb.com . Complete scholarship applications as you find them. Watch out for deadlines!