Junior Calendar

September

• Discuss college with your family: Talk about schools, finances, majors, your future.
• Review your courses with your school guidance counselor.
• List questions to ask school reps at college fairs.
• Take the PSAT in October.
• Get and stay organized: Create files for applications and correspondence. Set up a calendar to track dates and deadlines.
• Get a professional-sounding email address: Use something based on your name or hobby; nothing cutesy or eyebrow-raising.

October and November

• Take the PSAT.
• Attend college fairs and financial aid nights.
• Start searching for scholarships and ways to pay for your education.
• Review different kinds of schools and think about what's important to you.
• Learn the basics about federal student loans and private student loans.
• Plan and make college visits.

December and January

• Review your PSAT results with your counselor
• Talk with your college friends about their schools.
• Plan for the SAT and ACT (at least once).
• Attend college fairs and financial aid nights.
• Explore prep courses for the SAT and ACT.

February

• Search for scholarship opportunities through the guidance newsletter.
• Register and study for the SAT and/or ACT.
• Select senior year classes. Check with your counselor to ensure your courses meet college requirements.

March

• Plan campus visits.
• Generate a list of at least 10 institutions you could attend.
• Keep up college discussions with your family and counselors.
• Estimate how much various colleges will cost.
• Attend the "Planning for College" information night: TBD at the high school.

April and May

• Start visiting colleges.
• Take the SAT and/or ACT, if necessary.
• Take Advanced Placement (AP) tests, if applicable.
• Line up a summer job to earn extra money.
• Meet with your high school counselor if you are considering a military academy or an ROTC scholarship.

June – Summer

• Study for your final exams!
• Improve your reading and vocabulary skills.
• Continue searching for scholarships and ways to pay.
• Combine vacation plans with campus visits.
• Start working on your college application essays.
• Talk to people in interesting careers. See how they got there and what they do every day. Ask yourself if you would like to follow the same path.
• Decide who you will ask to write letters of recommendation.
• Talk with college friends home on break about their schools.

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