| Get started on your college process early. Here's | | | | about questions you want to ask, visit their office |
| how: | | | | and see what materials are available. Most school |
| 1. Start researching colleges by visiting, attending | | | | counselors are extremely busy with little time so set |
| information sessions, reviewing websites, attending | | | | an appointment if necessary. |
| college fairs and getting on college mailing lists. While | | | | 5. Take the SAT/ACT in your junior year. Test date |
| attending local college fairs, find some that appeal to | | | | calendars can be found at and Do practice and |
| you. Start considering criteria such as academic | | | | prepare. Some colleges require SAT Subject Exams - |
| programs, location, cost, and size of school, retention | | | | so you should become familiar with those and learn |
| rate, campus life and housing. | | | | the admission requirements of the colleges where |
| 2. Keep your grade point average up. Take courses | | | | you are applying |
| that are challenging and part of a strenuous | | | | 6. Discuss money. Will you need financial aid? Has |
| curriculum. See what your high school offers and take | | | | your family saved money for your college education? |
| harder classes that are part of a college prep | | | | Remember, the college will determine the true cost |
| curriculum. | | | | of college where you will attend. Some private |
| 3. Learn about community service and internship | | | | colleges give their own scholarships and grants so |
| opportunities in your area that are in your field of | | | | you want to investigate the options. |
| interest. Talk to other students and adults to see if | | | | 7.Stay involved in extracurricular activities. Just select |
| they have additional ideas. Network with those you | | | | a few that tie in with your interests - Do things you |
| know. | | | | like and stick with it - depth and continuity are |
| 4. Get to know your school counselor, as he/she will | | | | impressive on a college application. Volunteer, but not |
| be writing college recommendations for you. Think | | | | with too many organizations. |