College planning checklist for juniors

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• Tell family, friends and teachers that you are going to college. Get your support system in place.
• Start researching colleges, and consider all the types of colleges. Look through materials at your guidance counselor's office or at the library, check out college websites, and talk with family, friends and teachers.
• Explore careers. Think about what you might want to study in college.
• Start researching how to pay for college, and how to get financial aid.
• Start looking at scholarships and grants FREE money.

• Register for and take the PSAT and/or the PLAN. This test is given in October. Check with your counselor.
• Talk with your counselor and teachers about SAT Subject Tests for this year.
• Attend college fairs. Check out the college fair schedule and tips to make the most of your visit.
• Start a college application file. Keep all your papers organized and at your fingertips.
• Get a better idea of how the college application process works.

• Attend a financial aid workshop or seminar.
• Complete the Federal Student Aid Estimator to estimate your eligibility for federal student aid.
• Research summer enrichment programs, internships and jobs. Do more with your summer!
• Prepare for NYS Regents exams with Regents Review 2.0.
• Visit college websites and request college information. Start looking for the college that's right for you.
• Prepare a list of colleges to visit.

• Take the SAT and SAT Subject Tests or the ACT.
• Talk about your after high school plans with your family and school counselor or advisor.
• What do you want to be? What area of study do you want to pursue? Start exploring majors and careers. Start exporing majors and careers.
• Decide which standardized test you will take, and how to best prepare. Most colleges require you to take at least one.
• Register for and take the SAT and SAT Subject Tests or the ACT.
• Review the course selections for your high school senior year.
• Prepare for NYS Regents exams with Regents Review 2.0.
• Attend college fairs. near you.
• Find out about college-prep summer programs.
• Apply for a summer enrichment program, internship or job.
• Attend Junior Visit Days offered by some colleges.
• Review your senior class year schedule with your guidance counselor. Be sure you are taking the right classes and are on track.
• Register and study for AP exams.
• Study for finals and Regents exams.

• Study for and take finals and NYS Regents exams.
• Begin work on your college application essays. Learn how to write a strong essay.
• Write a resume of your activities, awards, etc. to help you later on in the college application process. Get help writing your resume.
• Ask several teachers, employers, and others who know you well for letters of recommendation. Get the most of your recommendations, here's how to start.
• Find out about financial aid available through church groups, labor unions, and other organizations.

• Schedule and make college visits.
• Get a Social Security number, if you dont have one.
• Earn and save money for college. Do you have New York's 529 College Savings Program?
• Narrow down your college list.
• College applications are often available mid-summer. You can begin to work on your application during the summer. Get familiar with the Anatomy of the College Application.
• If you haven't already, start putting together a resume of awards, volunteer activities and other accomplishments to help you with your applications.
• Register for your FSA ID so you are ready to complete the FAFSA in the fall.