COLLEGE PLANNING FOR JUNIORS

FALL

Start with you:  Make lists of your abilities, social/cultural preferences, and personal qualities.  List things you may want to study and do in college.

Learn about colleges.  Look at their Web sites (www.collegeboard.com).  Talk to friends, family, teachers, and recent grads of your school now in college.  List college features that interest you.

Resource check:  visit the counseling office.  check on dates of college planning nights and when college representatives will be on campus.  Examine catalogs and guides.

Consider taking the PSAT/NMSQT which is given in October.  It is the route of entry into National Merit Scholarship Competition.

Make a file to manage your college search, testing, and application data.

If appropriate (for example, if you're interested in drama, music, art, sports, etc.), start to gather material for a portfolio.

With your family, start to learn about financial aid. Read the Department of Education's Funding Your Education (about federal aid programs).

WINTER

Make a family appointment with your counselor to discuss ways to improve your college-preparation and selection processes.

Sign up to take the ACT and/or SAT at least once in the spring and again next fall.

Begin a search for financial aid sources.

SPRING     

Visit some local colleges--large, small, public, and private.  Get a feel for what works for you.  Attend college fairs, too.

Scan local newspapers to see which civic, cultural, and service organizations in your area award financial aid to graduating seniors.  Start a file.

Develop a list of 15 or 20 colleges that attract you.  Request viewbooks and information about financial aid and academic programs that interest you.  Visit some colleges over your spring break.

If you are considering military academies or ROTC scholarships, contact your counselor before leaving school for the summer.  If you want a four-year ROTC scholarship you should begin the application process the summer before your senior year.

SUMMER   

If you are an athlete planning to continue playing a sport in college, register with the NCAA Clearinghouse (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net).

Find a full-time or part-time job, or participate in a camp or summer college program.

Visit colleges. Take campus tours and, at colleges you're serious about, make appointments to have interviews with admissions counselors.

Create a resume--a record of accomplishments, activities, and work experiences since you started high school

Download applications (or request paper copies) from colleges to which you'll apply.  check application dates--large universities may have early dates or rolling admissions.