It is important to maintain and improve your grades during your junior year. Grades can make the difference in whether you receive scholarships and grants. Work to improve your vocabulary, reading and math skills-achievement test scores are also very important for both admission and financial aid. Start a personal file to document your achievements, awards, community service, sports, club and school activities.
September:
ƒÝ Register to take your PSAT.
ƒÝ Use the career center to explore educational and career opportunities available to you.
ƒÝ Get more involved in extracurricular activities
October/November:
ƒÝ Take your PSAT in October.
ƒÝ Discuss your family's financial resources. Obtain an estimate of your EXPECTED FAMILY
CONTRIBUTION (EFC) and determine adjustments to increase financial aid eligibility.
ƒÝ Start a list of college characteristics that are important to you.
December:
ƒÝ Register for January SAT.
ƒÝ Attend local meetings about financial aid or college admissions. Take final steps to
increase financial aid eligibility.
January:
ƒÝ BASE YEAR FOR FINANCIAL AID BEGINS.
ƒÝ Determine colleges and universities to explore based on admission requirements,
educational programs and cost vs. your family's financial aid eligibility and ability to pay.
ƒÝ Take your SAT.
February/March:
ƒÝ Register for May achievement tests in February.
ƒÝ Spring break is a good time for college visits.
ƒÝ E-mail colleges for information about admissions and financial aid. Include brief
information about yourself.
April/May:
ƒÝ Attend college fairs.
ƒÝ Check admission requirements against your own course of studies.
ƒÝ Take achievement tests in May.
June/July/August:
ƒÝ Make a list of people who might write a letter of recommendation (teachers, counselors,
employers).
ƒÝ Visit colleges going or coming from vacation spots.
ƒÝ Narrow your college list to 6-8 based on scholastic, financial aid and personal criteria.
ƒÝ Start working on your personal essay and other writing requirements for the colleges you
plan to apply to.
ƒÝ Register with the NCAA if you¡¦re an athlete
ƒÝ It¡¦s not too early to start looking for private scholarships.