Your Junior Year Calendar...

August

• Collect dates and locations for college fairs in your community.
• Review your college savings plan and be sure you are on track.If you don’t currently have a plan, start saving now.

September

• Study and register for the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT).
• Start your college search by determining what factors/criteria matter to you, (i.e.: location, costs, programs, etc.).
  College Comparison Worksheet
• Talk to your parents and school counselor about attending college.

October

• Take the PSAT.
• Attend a college fair and talk with college reps who visit your school.
• Do an online college search.
• Meet with your high school counselor about ways to better prepare for college.

November

• Request and review brochures and catalogs from colleges that interest you.
• Create a list of 10 to 15 colleges that fit your requirements.
• Track important deadlines for each college on your list.

December

• Begin planning for the SAT and/or ACT exams. Know the registration process and test dates.
• Attend area financial aid meetings or meet with your school counselor about financial aid.
• Start a file of scholarship/financial aid data, (i.e.: criteria, amounts, contacts, deadlines, etc).
• Purchase an SAT and/or ACT study guide and familiarize yourself with the exam format.

January

• Schedule visits to 3-5 colleges on your list.
• Organize scholarship and grant data. Maintain a calendar to avoid missing deadlines.

February

• Review the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• When scheduling senior classes, include credits to meet college entrance requirements.
• Registration is due for the April ACT.

March

• Arrange more campus tours. During college visits, be sure to ask about financial aid options.
• If taking AP courses, talk to your counselor about CLEP exams.
• Make a list of teachers, employers or coaches that may write you letters of recommendation.
• Register for the SAT, if taking the exam in April or May.

April

• After visiting all of the colleges on your list, compare and rank them in terms of preference.
• Register for the SAT, if taking the exam in June.

May

• Take AP exams.
• Consider taking a summer course at a local college.
• Work a summer job related to your career interest or participate in some community service.
• Register for the ACT, if taking the exam in June.

June

• If considering private scholarships, begin to complete forms.
  Be aware of scholarship scams.

July

• Begin working on college applications and essays.
• Enjoy the rest of summer and get ready for your senior year!

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