JUNIOR YEAR TIME LINE
JUNIOR YEAR - Begin college selection process.
September
Sign up for the PSAT which is administered in mid October (See PTSA Newsletter)
Take the practice test in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin received at time of registration.  
Practice at the PSAT/NMSQT Prep Center:  http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/prep.html
Get more involved with your extracurricular activities and maintain a record all year.
 
October
Take the PSAT/NMSQT, which can qualify you to receive a National Merit Scholarship.  Be sure you check “yes” for Student Search Service to hear from colleges and scholarships.
Attend college fairs in your area. (Check out the Guidance bulletin board, local papers, or on-line for information.)
 
November
Keep those grades  up.
 
December
Use your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Plus for personalized feedback on your academic skills, and to help you get ready for college and for the SAT, which you will take in the spring.
Find out about college first hand from college friends who are home for the holidays.
 
January
Organize a file of college brochures and information. Before you know it, they’ll start pouring in.
Search for scholarships online that match your skills and interests.  Check the scholarship file located in the College and Career/Registrars office (Room 152).
Ask your parents for your Social Security number (required on many college applications).
 
February
ATTEND ALL SCHEDULED JUNIOR SEMINARS WITH YOUR COUNSELOR.
Register for the March SAT I if you have completed the math courses covered on the SAT I AND you have done the proper preparation for the exam.  If not, plan to take the SAT I in May or June.
Talk to you counselor and teachers about taking the SAT II: Subject Tests this spring.
Plan to visit colleges this spring while they’re in session.
Start to explore your college options.  Think about which college characteristics are important to you.
Have an interview with admissions officers when you visit campuses.
Don’t spend so much time trying to improve standardized test scores that grades and co-curricular involvement suffer.  Strive to find a balance and maintain it.
 
March
Write, telephone, or use the Internet to request admissions, and financial aid information from the colleges on your list.  There is no charge and no obligation to obtain general information about admission and financial aid.
Ask your counselor and investigate if the ACT test might be appropriate for you.
 
April
When selecting senior year courses, be sure to continue to challenge yourself academically, but realistically.
 Register for the May/June SAT I and/or the May/June SAT II:  Subject Tests.
Look into summer jobs or apply for special academic or enrichment programs.
Take the ACT if appropriate.
Attend local college fairs.
 
May
Take the AP, ACT, SAT I, and SAT II exams if appropriate.
 
June
Talk to teachers about writing letters of recommendation for you.  
Take the ACT, SAT I and SAT II exams if appropriate.
Finalize your summer plans.
 
 July & August
Start thinking about college majors related to your interests and career goals
Request applications, brochures, and financial aid information from your colleges.
Visit colleges, take tours, and have interviews (refer to seminar handouts)
Continue to refine your list of schools.
Contact coaches if applicable.
Begin preparing for the actual application process. (ex. Start a draft of a college essay)
 
Sources:  LHS Guidance and Counseling Department, The College Board, National Association of College Admission Counseling, www.echoices.com
 
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