Guidance Center

Things you should do in preparation for college and the future

 

• In October, take the PSAT/NMSQT.  This test is given one time each year in October only.  Your scores from this test will determine your eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship for your senior year.

• Investigate careers and interests using the ILP Tools.  Keep your ILP updated regularly.

• Check for scholarships and summer programs for juniors.  (Not all scholarships are available to juniors, so pay close attention.)

• Begin your college search:

               Create a list of colleges interested in attending

               Visit the college fair in October (Heritage Hall)

               Use the college search engines

               Visit college representative when they visit

               Visit college campuses when the opportunity arises

               Keep notes from all college visits

               Visit the college websites to learn admission requirements and procedures

               Know which colleges require SAT II subject tests and whether specific subjects are required

               Determine costs

               Look at scholarship opportunities available and make note of when to apply

• In January/Spring, see your counselor for more information about high school courses to take your senior year

               Summer enrichment/college credit programs for juniors

               Early decision vs early action vs regular admissions for colleges

• Take the ACT/SAT/SAT II.  The ACT will be administered in March free as part of state testing.  You should plan to take at least one of the tests a second or third time.  Band students should not plan to take the ACT in October…there is always a conflict with marching band performances.

In the summer:

• Take the ACT/SAT again (all college testing should be complete by October by your senior year!)

• Be involved in summer programs, volunteer opportunities, community service projects, or have a job

• Make college visits if the opportunity arises

• Begin to narrow college choices

• Write a self-recommendation letter and create a resume.  Email these to your counselor

• Begin to formulate ideas for your college essays.  Write a rough draft of the essays—use the Common App essay questions as a guideline for topics.