September/October

• Narrow college choices to 3-5.
• Make a list of application requirements and deadlines for each school.  (Be aware of schools with early deadlines!)
• Ask teachers and advisors for letters of recommendation.
• Work on application essays.
• Determine total application costs.
• Take ACT or register for later test (December).
• Begin to watch Senior Newsletter for any scholarship opportunities.
• Attend college fairs and ask questions!!

November/December

• Make college visits.
• Continue working on applications and have teachers review your essays.
• Return applications to Counseling office with application fees,  letters of recommendations (if needed), essay (if needed) and your counselor will attach an official transcript.
• Check with prospective college about financial aid and scholarships.
• You and your parents/guardians need to log on the Free Application for Federal Students Aid (FAFSA) website at www.fafsa.ed.gov and both of you need to get a PIN number. 

January/February

• Ask your parents/guardians to gather all financial information needed to complete the FAFSA application. Remind your parents to file taxes early this year!  You will need either their returns of the W-2’s from THEIR employer.  
• Look for Student Air Report (SAR) to arrive four weeks after you file your FAFSA. This will include your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
• If you have not done so – APPLY!!!!

March/April

• If you have not done an early admission process, you should start receiving responses from colleges regarding admission and financial packages.  
• Begin comparing colleges you have been admitted.
• Make final college visits.
• Make final decision and let all colleges know.

May/June

• Make sure your college of choice has all the paperwork needed for classes as well as housing and food plans.
• Make sure your Counselor knows your final decision so she can mail your final transcript after graduation.
• Set up a college budget with your parents.

Fall

• Take the most challenging courses you can manage.  It could make all the difference in selective college admissions.
• If you have better than a 3.0 grade point average, register and take the October ACT to get early qualification for the Governor’s Scholars Program.
• Become more involved in clubs and community service and seek out leadership roles.
• Begin getting serious and researching prospective colleges and scholarship opportunities ( www.collegeboard.com is a great place to start!). 
• Attend college fairs.

Winter

• Continue to research colleges – determine who offers what you are interested in.
• Prepare for the March ACT (offered here at school) and the June test.
• Schedule demanding classes for your senior year (colleges look at the classes you take your senior year!!)

Spring

• Check academic requirements for several colleges.
• Athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (The Clearinghouse). Make an appointment with your counselor for this.

Summer

• Begin to narrow college choices to 3-5.
• Begin looking at college applications so that in the fall you are prepared.
• Double check schedule at registration for demanding college prep classes.

Fall

• Continue career research.  Talk to people you know in many professions and use your ILP information to help you plan a career track. 
• Continue taking the most challenging courses your school offers and that you can handle. (It is early, don’t rule out college – keep your doors open!)
• Stay involved or become involved with extra-curricular activities.
• Take the PLAN (practice ACT).

Winter

• Schedule demanding classes for your junior year.  If you have not taken a foreign language, make sure you request one for your junior schedule. 

Spring

• If you have better than a 3.0 GPA, register for the June ACT if you are interested in the Governor’s Scholars Program.
• Begin to research colleges (four year universities, two year junior colleges or community colleges, technical schools)

Fall

• Continue career research.  Talk to people you know in many professions and use your ILP information to help you plan a career track. 
• Continue taking the most challenging courses your school offers and that you can handle. (It is early, don’t rule out college – keep your doors open!)
• Stay involved or become involved with extra-curricular activities.
• Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss what you can do today to plan for college.

Winter

• Explore colleges: What kinds of schools should you be looking for?
• Find volunteer activities that are good for you and good for the world.
• Set yourself up for college success with a sophomore class schedule that emphasizes college.

Spring

• As your peers are losing momentum, refocus your study habits and finish the year off right.
• Begin to research colleges (four year universities, two year junior colleges or community colleges, technical schools)
• Build your college credentials by planning fun ways to get involved this summer.