JUNIOR & SENIOR COUNTDOWN CALENDAR

• Review your career plans and decide which type of college is right for you -- large college or small, public or private, two-year or four-year, in state or out of state.
• Contact the admissions office of each college in which you are interested to obtain information on admissions, course requirements, degree plans, scholarships and financial aid.  Be sure to set up a file where you can keep track of all your application information and deadlines.
• Register to take the SAT and ACT, if needed, for admission.  Your scores will need to be sent to colleges where you have submitted applications
• MALES:  Be sure you register with the Selective Service upon turning 18.  You can automatically register when you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Get letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, ministers, athletic coaches and advisors.  Provide stamped, self-addressed envelopes for each college to which you are applying
• Attend financial aid nights and college fairs to gather information on the colleges in which you are interested or check the internet for college web sites.
• Ask your guidance counselor for financial aid forms, including the FAFSA or complete it on the internet at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Obtain Financial aid information from each college's financial aid office to which you are applying.
• Ask your English teacher to review your application essay.

JUNIORS: Check with your guidance office to make sure you are registered for the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Test (PSAT/NMSQT)

• Set up tours and interviews at your choice of colleges.  Visit classrooms and speak to students and faculty members.  Don't forget to set up an appointment with the school's financial aid office to find out about scholarships and grant opportunities.
• Begin the college search process by reviewing as many guides and college catalogs as possible.  Surf the Web.