Fall

• Make sure your schedule is filled with challenging and appropriate courses

• Demonstrate leadership and responsibility in community and school

• Begin a list of potential colleges and programs

• Gather career information - job shadow or visit career fairs

• Make the most out of your part-time job

• Talk with college reps and ask them questions

• Go to college fairs

• Discuss testing plans with your counselor

• Register, prepare for, and take the PSAT/NMSQT

• Check out free scholarship searches

• Make college visits

• Begin to consider which teachers, moderators, or employers your might use if you need recommendations

• Continue talking with your parents/guardians and your counselor about your plans

March

• ACT EXAM

• College-bound student-athletes (Divisions I & II) sign-up with NCAA Clearinghouse

• Request information from colleges

• Take advantage of college preview dates/visits

• Research scholarship opportunities

• Continue discussing college finances with parents/guardians

April

• Continue campus visits as necessary

• Look for summer job opportunities

May

• Finalize summer plans (work, volunteer, class)

• Continue to narrow down list of college choices

• Plan any additional campus visits

• Create an activities resume

• Draft your scholarship essay

• Volunteer (if you haven't started already)

August

• Update resume

• Visit college campuses (private colleges give application fee waivers)

• Save summer earnings for college