College Planning Calendar Chart

ELEVENTH GRADE	TWELFTH GRADE
September	September
Meet with your school's college counselor. Be sure your academic program is challenging and will make you a competitive, well-prepared candidate. Take rigorous courses in which you can grow and excel. Sign up at your school for the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)	Start narrowing down your college choices. Sign up to see your college representatives at school. Talk with teachers, counselors, and admissions officers. Read catalogues and outline your college plans. Consider re-taking the SAT. Register now for the November date. Pay attention to entrance requirements and make sure you'll be prepared. Write to colleges for admission and financial aid applications.
October	October
Time for the PSAT! For extra confidence, familiarize yourself with the exam in advance. Practice tests come with your registration packet.	Consider re-taking the SAT. Register now for the December date. Plan for any additional tests your college may require, such as the ACH or the ACT. Investigate Early Action/Decision programs at your top choice colleges. You may receive admission decisions in December. Early Decision requires that you matriculate. DEADLINES ARE IMPORTANT! Pay close attention so that you can plan in advance. Keep those grades up. Senior year is very important.
November/December	November
Focus on your academics and do well on those final exams,. Your junior grades will be important.	Start thinking about application essays; they are important. Discuss creative, informative topics. Express yourself freely. Look into financial aid programs. Don't let preliminary costs discourage you. Apply for aid and fee waivers, if necessary. Seek information about scholarships offered by companies, corporations, parents, employers, church groups, etc. Use the library for additional resources.
January	December
Keep up the good work in your classes. Use free time to do extra reading. Hard work will pay off.	Time to tackle those applications! Start early; be confident, thorough and neat. Set your sights high and let nothing discourage you. Meet all deadlines. College applications must have: 1. Student essay, 2. Information on clubs, community service, activities, sports, etc. Provide stamps to your guidance counselor Give recommendation forms out early and explain your plans to those who write for you.
February	January
Register to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in March. Make your College Counseling Office a regular stop. Check bulletin boards, college guides and computer and video resources for college information.	IMPORTANT: File the federal Financial Aid Form (FAF). Almost all colleges require this form. Last chance to take the College Board test for many colleges. Many application deadlines fall in January.
March	February/March
Don't delay -- register now to take the Achievement Tests (ACH) in May or June. The American College Testing Program (ACT) is an alternative, if offered in your area. Build your confidence for the SAT. Practice Tests provide familiarity, but Math and English coursework is the most fundamental preparation.	Keep up with your classes and enjoy your activities. Think about college choices, but enjoy senior year for its own sake. Be sure that your applications are complete! If in doubt, follow up with a phone call.
April	April
Start early to plan a productive summer. Consider college prep programs offered by many colleges and agencies such as Upward Bound, Minority, Introduction to Engineering, National Science Foundation, etc. If you plan to work, look for a job that will let you learn. Use your counselor for information, but use other resources, too.	DECISION LETTERS ARRIVE. Your hard work has paid off. Take advantage of VISIT PROGRAMS. Ask questions so that you can make informed decisions. Don't be afraid to choose a school you haven't seen. Follow up on FINANCIAL AID packages if you are uncertain or unsatisfied.
May	May
Plan challenging courses for next year. Don't discontinue Math, Science, and other basics.	Your plans should be all set by this time ..... GOOD LUCK!
June/July/August
Use your summer well. Start investigating colleges. Write or call for catalogues. Try to visit colleges to find out what you like. Sign up for tours and information sessions. Interview at your top choice schools. ASK QUESTIONS. Get the facts now so the application process will go smoothly in the fall. Compile a good summer reading list to keep your mind in gear. You'll increase general knowledge and build a strong vocabulary.