College calendar countdown

Careers and Colleges, Sept-Oct, 2004

SEPTEMBER

SENIORS

* Finalize your college choices with your guidance counselor. If still deciding, attend a college fair,

* Collect application materials and keep careful track of all due dates.

* Plan to take--or re-take--the SAT or ACT.

JUNIORS

* Get involved In extracurricular activities.

* Register for the October PSAT. The PSAT is great prep for the SAT, which many take in the spring.

* Start exploring all college and career sources--the counselor's office, guide books, and Web sites, such as www.CareersAndColleges.com.

OCTOBER

SENIORS

* Take care of college application basics--prepare your essay, contact teachers for recommendations (give them a month to write), and don't miss any deadlines!

* Visit any of your college choices that you haven't seen already.

JUNIORS:

* Put in extra effort to keep up grades--your academic performance is still the most important factor in the admission process.

* Attend college fairs, talk to people about their college experiences, and explore schools online. Keep a file on colleges that interest you.

* Write notes about your interests and courses that you'd like to study.

NOVEMBER

SENIORS

* If you're applying early, don't miss November deadlines.

* Investigate scholarships and make sure you read the November "How to Pay for College" issue of CAREERS & COLLEGES,

JUNIORS

* Concentrate on classes and improve your grades.

* Start to find colleges that match your interests.

DECEMBER

SENIORS

* Complete all applications neatly and mail them on time. Don't forget to enclose the application fee.

* Make sure you have a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Call (800) 4-FED-AID or visit www.fafsa.ed.gov.

JUNIORS

* Review your academic record and PSAT scores with your guidance counselor. Decide on how you might improve your standardized test scores.

JANUARY

SENIORS

* Submit FAFSA as soon after Jan. 1 as possible.

* Send first-semester grades to colleges.

JUNIORS

* Start preparing for the spring admission fasts. Free study aids are available online, at the library, and in your guidance office.

* Keep a list of colleges that interest you.

FEBRUARY

* If you applied for aid on Jan. 1, you should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), noting eligibility for aid.

JUNIORS

* If possible, schedule campus visits now for the spring when colleges are still in session.

* Discuss college choices with your school counselor and evaluate how realistic your choices are.

MARCH

SENIORS

* Continue the hunt for scholarship dollars.

JUNIORS

* Take the SAT or ACT this spring.

* Request admission and financial aid info from the colleges that Interest you.

APRIL

SENIORS

* Look for admission notices in the mail or e-mail.

* Carefully review financial aid award packages.

* Make sure your high school sends final grades, class rank, and proof of graduation to your college.

JUNIORS

* Narrow college choices to five to eight schools.

MAY

SENIORS

* Decide which college you will attend; notify all others of your decision. Send required deposit to the school of your choice.

* Take AP exams this month if applicable.

JUNIORS

* Volunteer or do an internship this summer. It may provide material for your application essay.

* Plan to take AP exams this month it applicable.