September
•Sign up for the PSAT which is administered in mid October
•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 in the Guidance office, 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.
•Ask your parents for your Social Security number (required on many college applications).

February
•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.
•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.

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.
•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
•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