Make lists of your abilities, preferences,
and personal qualities.
List things you may want to study and do in
college.
Jumpstart your college planning by reading
about majors and careers.
Use ‘College Search’ on Collegeboard.com to
find colleges with the right characteristics.
Start thinking about financial aid for college and have a talk
with your parent/guardians about funding.
Use financial aid calculators (on <>Collegeboard.com) to
estimate your aid eligibility and college costs.
Winter - Plan your
spring testing schedule.
You can take either the SAT Reasoning Test -or- up to three SAT
Subject Tests on one test day. Plan your testing schedule
carefully if you want to take both types of SAT. See the SAT
schedule of test dates and register online for the SAT at Collegeboard.com
Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report arrives in December. Use it to
improve your skills and prepare for the SAT. Practice at
collegeboard.com.
Spring
Get ready for the SAT. Visit the SAT Preparation Center (at Collegeboard.com) to take a free
full-length official practice test and get a score and skills report.<>
<>Explore colleges. Check out the Nova staff picks websites for
college recommendations and start visiting local colleges: large,
small, public, and private.
Prepare for AP Exams. Do well on AP Exams and receive credit or
placement at most colleges.
Plan summer activities early. Enrich yourself by volunteering,
getting an interesting job or internship, or signing up for special
summer learning programs.
Summer
Keep your momentum up this summer. Visit colleges. Take campus
tours and, at colleges you're serious about, schedule interviews with
admissions counselors.
Request applications from colleges to which you'll apply. Check
important dates; some universities have early dates or rolling
admissions.