subject: "I Have to Do What to Get Into College?" [print this page] In case you haven't notice school has started and now is the time for juniors and seniors who are preparing for college to get in gear. Time management is critical now because this is the time you will be filling out so many applications, forms, essays, etc. They all have a cutoff time or deadline. It is imperative that every student who is interested in college purchase a calendar big enough to write information inside the date. Hang the calendar up so family members can see what is going on as well just in case they have to remind you of some important deadline that is looming around the corner.
This simple guide is a mean to keep you on track but please be aware the months and time listed could or has change. Chances are if you use the calendar and make good use of your time the college preparation will be smooth sailing. Managing your time during your senior year will be critical since you will have the prom, senior trips and a host of other things. If for any reason you may feel overwhelmed or stressed please inform your parents or your counselor for added help.
Juniors
September
Meet with school counselor, career specialist or graduation coach ( meeting should address how to get financial aid, searching for scholarships, and testing dates for PSAT)
October
Take the test for PSAT (prepares you for the SAT)
November
Start researching for private and government financial aid
December
Probably receive results from PSAT
Sign up for ACT (319-337-1270ph) test which is in February
January
Make a list of colleges you may be interested in
February
Sign up for the SAT (866-756-7346) test which is in March
Go over the list of colleges with your counselor
March
Visit college campuses
Take SAT
Keep researching for scholarships, especially local ones
April
Should sign up for May/June SAT
Take ACT
Look for summer job
May
Attend college fairs and ask questions about financial aid, curriculum, student life, etc
Volunteer
Enroll in a local college for a class
Make your summer count, do constructive things
June
Take ACT
July/August
Work on your resume
Write for private scholarships applications
Make copies of all documents and date them
Build a portfolio, now is the time to brag about oneself, if you can dance-video tape, if you can write-put samples together, begin to show your personality, now you will be prepare just in case a college needs these types of things
Practice writing your essays while you are not in school, senior year will be very busy
Practice time management skills so you will not feel overwhelm when you are a senior
Contact for example dance directors of colleges you would like to attend and inquire about dance scholarships
Seniors
September
Meet with guidance counselor and career coach to talk about your scores from last year tests
Talk about financial aid with parents and guidance counselors
Sign up for the ACT in October or for the SAT
Check your transcript and medical records for errors and make sure they are updated
Begin to write to colleges for applications
Get your recommendations from teachers, employers, coaches, etc (Give ample time for them to do the recommendations)
Pick up a copy of CSS Profile Registration Guide from your counselor
Give all forms that colleges require and follow up to make sure the letters are mailed on time.
October
Begin to send in applications
Go to college fairs to narrow choices
Make sure test scores and transcripts have been sent out and received by the college
Check over your essays
Continue to make copies of everything and date them
