Junior Timeline and Checklist

							               Junior Timeline and Checklist
September
____   Turn in PSAT registration fee.
____   Review for PSAT.

October
____    Take the PSAT.
____    Review your grade point average (GPA) for grades 9 & 10.
____    Set a goal for a strong junior year grade point average.

November
____   Look at your extracurricular involvement – colleges prefer quality over quantity.
____   Search for colleges that meet your criteria.
____   Talk to high school alumni about their college experience.

December
____   PSAT score reports sent to your high school – use your results to help you prepare for the SAT.
____   Visit www.collegeboard.com for SAT preparation and www.actstudent.org for ACT preparation.
____   Begin to clarify your educational goals, needs, and preferences.

January
____    Visit www.collegeboard.com for explanations to this year’s PSAT.
____    Review PSAT results, refigure your incorrect problems.

February
____    Construct “wish list” of college qualities. characteristics. and values important to you.
____    Consider visiting colleges during break.

March
____      When registering for next year’s classes, select strong college-prep courses.
____      If you plan to apply to highly selective colleges-consider registering for SAT II(subject) tests in the
          courses you are taking this year.
____      Register for May and/or June SAT or SAT II.

April
____      Develop a list of colleges that interest you. Visit web sites, e-mail, phone, or write to them for
          information.
____      Plan visits to colleges that interest you.
____      Prepare for AP exams if applicable.
____      Attend local college fairs.

May
____      Take AP exams if applicable.
____      Take SAT and/or SAT II.
____      Create a resume – a record of all your accomplishments, involvements, and work experiences.
____      Review materials from colleges and refine your potential list.
____      Identify 2 teachers whom you can ask for recommendations-hand in to your counselor along with
          your release of information sheet signed by a parent or guardian.

June
____      Take the ACT, SAT and/or SAT II.
____      End the year with strong grades.
____      Athletes should visit www.ncaaclearinghouse.net to review guidelines and procedures for fall
          clearinghouse application.

Summer
____      Continue the college search.
____      If you don’t have a job, try volunteering in your career area.
____      Prepare to retake the SAT and/or the ACT in the fall.
____      Prepare a list of colleges to apply to and begin working on the college essay.