| September |
Prepare for and take the Preliminary SAT/National
Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
This is the only time that the test scores will
be considered for the National Merit Scholarship
competition. Sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT at your
high school Guidance office. |
| October |
Make a list of colleges or universities you
may want to attend and discuss them with your
parents and counselor. Discuss your financial
plans. |
| December |
Keep looking for scholarships and financial
aid sources (or get started now, if you haven't
already)
|
| January |
Send letters or emails requesting information
to the colleges on your list. Start evaluating
these schools. |
| February |
Plan visits with your parents to the schools
that interest you. If possible, arrange to be
on campus while classes are in session. Contact
each school's admissions and financial aid office(s)
before visiting that school. If you can't get
to the actual schools, attend local or regional
college fairs. Sign up and prepare for the ACT
and/or SAT. |
| March |
Begin to narrow your list of college and career
choices.
If you intend to apply for an ROTC scholarship,
begin this process now. |
| April |
Go to
www.FAFSA4caster.ed.gov to get a jump start
on figuring out your financial aid eligibility.
|
| May |
Update your list of activities and awards. Consider
taking a course at the local community college
this summer. Look for a summer job or volunteer
activity. |
| June |
Begin writing your resume, and start assembling
writing samples, portfolios, audition tapes, or
any other information that you may use in your
college application. |
| July |
Try to narrow your school choices ' three to
five schools is recommended. |
| August |
If you're planning to attend a school that has
an early decision deadline, start the admission,
scholarship, and financial aid application processes.
Keep copies of everything you send and the dates
you sent them. Be aware of deadlines for admission,
scholarship, and financial aid ' each date will
probably be different at each school. |
