When:

Become familiar with college entrance requirements.
For more information, visit http://www.actstudent.org/college/checklist.html or http://www.mapping-your-future.org/selecting/applying.htm

Think about reasons for going to college and characteristics of schools that are important to you.
Go to: http://www.actstudent.org/college/reasons.html or mapping-your-future.org/selecting/schoolch.htm

Plan high school course selections to meet recommended college preparation suggestions.
For more information, visit http://www.actstudent.org/college/plancourses.html or view WSU's recommended high school curriculum

Attend college fairs in your area.

Get more involved with extracurricular activities in your school and community.

Prepare for school entrance exams. Take the PSAT and PLAN now in preparation for next year.
Go to: http://www.mapping-your-future.org/selecting/standard.htm for info on both exams.

When:

Request information from schools and colleges such as admission viewbooks, financial aid and scholarships brochures and housing options.

Attend college fairs/open houses/school visits in your area or schools you are considering.

Meet with your high school guidance counselor to review your college plans.

Take the PSAT for a chance at the National Merit Scholarship.
Go to: mapping-your-future.org/selecting/standard.htm for info on both exams

When:

Junior Year (Jan. - Mar.)

Consider taking Advanced Placement exams in your senior year schedule. AP credits can earn you college credit.

Identify important factors in selecting a school or college.
Go to: http://www.actstudent.org/college/factors.html

When:

Junior Year (Feb. - June)

Register for and take college admission exams - the SAT and/or ACT.
Go to: actstudent.org/regist/index.html or mapping-your-future.org/selecting/standard.htm

When:

Junior Year (Mar. - Aug.)

Continue to review college list to narrow your top choices.

When:

Senior Year (Aug. - Dec.)

What to do

Apply to the colleges of your choice.
Go to: http://www.actstudent.org/college/applychoice.html

For schools that require counselor or teacher recommendations, be sure to give them a resume of your school and extracurricular activities in advance.

Re-take college admission exams if necessary.

Talk to your high school guidance counselor about local scholarship opportunities and search for other scholarships.
Go to: mapping-your-future.org/paying/schlolar.htm

When:

Senior Year (Jan. - Apr.)

Make final decision