College Preparation Checklist for Students   FRESHMAN YEAR Take challenging classes in English, mathematics, science, history, geography, a foreign language, government, civics, economics, and the arts. Begin to look at your personal interests, abilities, and values and see how they match up with various career and educational possibilities.  See your counselor and teachers for help in exploring different careers and educational programs. Become involved in school activities that interest you.  Experience in working with groups and organizations will benefit you in many ways, contributing to a well-rounded educational program. Get to know your career counselor or guidance counselor, and other college resources available in your school. Begin planning now for how you'll meet the cost of going to college. SOPHOMORE YEAR Evaluate what you have accomplished in meeting the general and specific recommendations during the 9th grade and what you can do in your program for the next three years. Continue involvement in school or community-based extracurricular activities. Meet with your career counselor or guidance counselor to discuss colleges and their requirements. Continue to investigate career areas that interest you and learn which educational requirements prepare you for those careers.  Talk to adults in a variety of professions to determine what they like and dislike about their jobs and what kind of education is needed for each kind of job. Take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).  You must register early.  If you have difficulty paying the registration fee, see your guidance counselor about getting a fee waiver. JUNIOR YEAR Meet with your career counselor or guidance counselor to evaluate previous years and discuss colleges and their requirements. Continue involvement in school or community-based extracurricular activities. Decide which colleges most interest you.  Write these schools to request information and an application for admission.  Be sure to ask about special admissions requirements, financial aid, and deadlines. Talk to college representatives at college fairs. Consider people to ask for recommendations -- teachers, counselors, employers, etc. Investigate the availability of scholarships provided by organizations such as corporations, labor unions, professional associations, religious organizations, and credit unions.  If applicable, go to the library and look for directories of scholarships for women, minorities, and disabled students. REgister for and take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I), American College Test (ACT), SAT II Subject Tests, or any other exams required for admission to the colleges to which you are applying.  If you have difficulty paying the registration fee, see your guidance counselor about getting a fee waiver. SENIOR YEAR Fall Double check to be sure you're taking the college prep courses that meet your college's requirements.  Continue taking challenging classes in English, math, and science. Concentrate especially on upgrading your writing, reading and math skills. Meet with your counselor early in the year to discuss your plans. Verify deadlines to submit scholarship and admissions applications. Attend college fairs and meet with college representatives.  Take advantage of opportunities to visit colleges and talk to students. Register for and take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I), the ACT, or SAT II Subject Tests a second time if the colleges only consider your highest scores. Winter Prepare your application carefully.  Follow the instructions, and pay close attention to deadlines!  Be sure to ask your counselor and teachers at least two weeks before your application deadlines to submit the necessary documents to colleges (your transcript, letters of recommendation, etc.). Complete all necessary financial aid forms.  Make sure that you fill out at least one form that can be used for Federal aid and submit as soon as possible after January 1. Respond immediately to any requests for more information or additional documents in financial aid or admissions application. If possible, visit the colleges that most interest you. If you haven't already done so, start narrowing your choice of colleges and universities; in the process, make sure you have the information you need to make an intelligent, informed decision. Apply early for housing at the college of your choice. Spring If there are specific courses unable to take in your high school, consider taking them at a local college or university, or in a summer sessions. After receiving letters of acceptance and financial aid awards, decide which college to attend.  Accept offers by the deadlines given and decline offers received from other schools in writing. Find a summer job.