Prep for College Calendar - Junior Year
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Begin college selection process. Attend college fairs, financial   aid seminars, general information sessions, etc., to learn as much as you can   about the college application process. Make sure you are meeting NCAA   requirements if you want to play Division I or II sports in college.
Register for the October PSAT. Meet with your guidance counselor to review your courses for this year and plan your schedule for senior year.
September
�Save samples of your best work for your academic portfolio (all year).
�Maintain your co-curricular record (all year).
October
Junior year PSAT scores may qualify a student for the  National Merit Scholarship Competition and the National Achievement and the  National Hispanic Scholars Programs. So, even though these scores will not be   used for college admission, it is still a good idea to take the PSAT. The   more times you take standardized tests, the more familiar you will become   with the format and the types of questions asked. If you wish to receive free   information from colleges, indicate on the PSAT test answer form that you want to participate in the Student Search.
Junior year grades are extremely important in the college admission process, because they are a measure of how well you do in   advanced, upper-level courses. Grades also are used to determine scholarships and grants for which you may be eligible. So put in the extra effort and keep   those grades up!
November
If you will require financial aid, start researching your options for grants, scholarships and work-study programs. Make an appointment with your guidance counselor or start by visiting NACAC's Web   Resources for the College-Bound to do research on your own using the   Internet.
During December you should receive the results of   your PSAT. Read your score report and consult your school counselor to   determine how you might improve on future standardized tests. The PSAT is   excellent preparation for the SAT I, which you will take in the spring.
December
If you plan to take the ACT, register now for the   February ACT. Many colleges accept the ACT (American College Test) or the SAT   I. Some colleges require the ACT or both SAT I and SAT II. When you begin to   explore different colleges and universities, double-check to see if they   prefer or require the ACT, the SAT I and/or the SAT II.
Begin to make a preliminary list of colleges you   would like to investigate further. Surf the Internet and use the college   resources in the guidance office or library.
January
Ask your parents for your Social Security number   (required on many college applications). If you were never issued a Social   Security number, contact the closest Social Security office as soon as   possible to obtain a number.
Meet with your CAP Advisor to discuss your  preliminary list of colleges. Discuss whether your initial list of colleges   meets your needs and interests (academic program, size, location, cost, etc.)   and whether you are considering colleges where you are likely to be admitted.   You should be optimistic and realistic when applying to colleges.
February
Register for the March SAT I if you have completed the   math courses covered on the SAT I. If not, plan to take the SAT I in May or   June. Prepare for the SAT I or ACT by signing up for a prep course, using   computer software, or doing the SAT/ACT practice tests available in the   counseling office or at bookstores. But don't spend so much time trying to   improve standardized test scores that grades and co-curricular involvement   suffer.
Write, telephone, or use the Internet to request   admission literature 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.
March
When selecting your senior courses, be sure to   continue to challenge yourself academically.
April
Register for the May/June SAT I and/or the May/June   SAT II: Subject Tests. Not all SAT II Subject Tests are given on every test   date. Check the calendar carefully to determine when the Subject Tests you   want are offered. Register for the June ACT if you want that test.
Continue to evaluate your list of colleges and   universities. Eliminate colleges from the original list that no longer   interest you and add others as appropriate.
Look into summer jobs or apply for special summer   academic or enrichment programs. Colleges love to see students using their   knowledge and developing their skills and interests.
May
Attend a college fair to get more information about colleges on your list. NACAC sponsors college fairs in cities across the   country during the fall and the spring. Visit NACAC's Web site (www.nacac.com)   to check out the schedule for the National College Fairs and the Performing and Visual Arts College Fairs.
Get a jump start on summer activities-consider enrolling in an academic course at a local college, pursuing a summer school  program, applying for an internship, working, or volunteering. If you work, save part of your earnings for college.
Begin visiting colleges. Phone to set up   appointments. Interviews are always a good idea. Many colleges will tell you   they are optional, but an interview will show interest, enthusiasm and   initiative on your part and provide an excellent opportunity to have your   questions answered. Do a practice interview with your counselor, teacher,   employer, or a senior who has had college interviews. Set up interviews as   early as possible-interview times become booked quickly!
Take the SAT I or the SAT II.
After school ends, get on the road to visit colleges.  Seeing the college firsthand, taking a tour and talking to students can be   the greatest help in deciding whether or not a school is right for you.   Although it is ideal to visit colleges during the academic year, going in the   summer will be valuable. Admission offices employ their students to give   tours and answer questions from prospective students and their parents.
June
Take the SAT I, the SAT II and/or the ACT.
July Visit colleges, take tours, have interviews and ask   questions. Make college visiting a family event. Involve your parents and   siblings in every step of your application process. Choosing the right college   is a tough decision; the opinions of those who know you best can provide   helpful insight into which college is best for you.
August Continue to refine your list of potential colleges and universities.
Begin preparing for the actual application process:   draft application essays; collect writing samples; and assemble portfolios or   audition tapes. If you are an athlete and plan on playing in college, contact   the coaches at the schools to which you are applying and ask about   intercollegiate and intramural sports programs and athletic scholarships.
Complete the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse   form if you hope to play Division I or II sports. (This form cannot be mailed   until you finish your sixth semester of high school.)
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