Things You Must Know:

It is never a bad thing to take the ACT and/or SAT multiple times. Most students achieve at least a 5% improvement the second time they take the ACT or SAT. Even if you did well enough to get into the college of your choice, most schools will award better scholarships, advanced placement or class credit for higher test scores. Higher test scores = less work in college and more scholarship money.

· Make sure that you are taking the classes that are needed for college.

· Do not lose focus on grades. "Senioritis" has taken its toll on many an academic record.

· Don't slack off and take an easy course load. The hard work you do in high school directly translates into less work at college. You will see the course material again; you might as well get it now while it is free.

· Most colleges and universities have campus visitation programs. This means you can stay overnight, visit with academic faculty in your area of study, talk about finances, etc. It is strongly recommended you visit the college or university you wish to attend before making a decision. What you see on paper isn't always what you get in person.

September
Talk to your high school guidance counselor to discuss your list of colleges, make sure that your expectations are realistic given your academic and personal record.

· You should enroll in high school classes that will make you eligible for admission to college.

· Sign up for the SAT or ACT at:

  www.act.org
  (319)337-1000

  www.collegeboard.com
  (609)771-7600

· Request the admission applications for the school(s) you are interested in. Many schools (especially Ivy League) have deadlines in November and December making it important that you start work on these applications as soon as possible. Pay special attention to application deadlines.

· Make plans to visit the colleges or universities that interest you.

October
Start working on your college application(s)

· If necessary, start looking for teachers to write recommendations for you.

· Start sending in your college applications (check the due date for each school)

November
Make sure to have test scores sent to the schools to which you are applying.

· Obtain financial aid information from your high school guidance counselor.

December
Expect early decision letters from colleges and universities to which you have applied.

January
If you are applying for federal financial aid, prepare your application and send it in as early in January as possible. Many schools have financial aid deadlines that start as early as January 15. You cannot send in your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) before January 1.

NOTE- On the FAFSA, they will ask you for your parent's income information from their tax forms. You can estimate this figure. It's better to estimate and be early than to be exact and late.

ALSO- FAFSA deadlines mean they must be received not just postmarked.

February - April
Keep track of all your applications, make sure schools have received all the information they have requested.

· Plan on making visits to the schools that interest you.

· Decide which school you will attend.

May
Prior to May first you should normally decide which college you will attend. Notify other schools of your decision

· You may wish to take Advanced Placement Exams if you are eligible. (contact the school you are planning to attend for more information on this)

Summer
Enjoy summer and pack for school!