11th Grade

September

  • Become familiar with resources available in the Counseling Office. Learn to use college reference books and Naviance, a web-based college search and information tool.

  • Sign up for PSAT, read Student Bulletin on PSAT and take practice test inside the bulletin or on-line.

  • Attend college representative visits in the HHS Counseling Office.

October

  • Take the PSAT.

  • Begin to develop a list of your interests, priorities, talents and goals. Think about the college features that suit those interests and goals in size, type of college, location, available majors, social and cultural environments, etc.

  • Attend college representative visits in the HHS Counseling Office.

November

  • Actively use the resources in the Counseling office to begin developing a list of colleges that you want to explore further. Talk with your counselor, teachers, parents, and friends to gather information that will help you further refine this list.

  • Attend college representative visits in the HHS Counseling Office.

December

  • PSAT results will be back this month. Use this information along with information about your school record (GPA) to further develop your list of colleges. Talk with your counselor about how to use this information.

  • Link your PSAT with Khan Academy to utilize free SAT preparation.

January

  • Meet with your school counselor and review your college list.

  • Continue to gather information and refine your list of colleges.

  • Attend College Counselors info session in junior social studies classes.

February

  • Read “Taking the SAT I” and “Taking the SAT II” (available in the Counseling Office) and take advantage of test-taking tips at www.collegeboard.org and other free websites.

  • Attend the Family College night.

  • Continue to develop your college list.

  • Consider college visits during February break.

March

  • Try to refine your list to the ten or twelve semifinalists that you will actively pursue with a campus visit and (if possible) an interview to help determine fit.

  • Between now and September you should try to visit as many of the colleges on your semifinal list as possible, scheduling interviews at any of them where it is required or otherwise desirable. It is possible to schedule visits and interviews after September, but the hectic pace of the senior year and the volume of business in colleges’ admission offices make this increasingly difficult.

  • Register for the May SAT I or SAT II.

April

  • Meet with your counselor to discuss the colleges you are considering and to find out details about the college application process. Additional individual meetings may be scheduled at your discretion.

  • Take the School Day SAT - required of all Juniors.

  • Register to take June SAT I or SAT II. Remember if you plan to apply early decision or early action, you should take all tests required by that college in March, May, June or August.

May

  • Take the SAT I or SAT II.

  • Identify teachers, coaches, and/or others whom you could ask to write recommendations for you. Those who you won’t be associated with next year might want to write recommendations now and keep them on file.

  • Register for the June SAT I or SAT II. (link to collegeboard.org sign up for SATs)

June, July, and August

  • If you are interested in playing sports at the Division I or Division II level, it is time to register with the NCAA (www.ncaa.com)

  • Take the June SAT I or SAT II.

  • Continue to visit and interview at colleges on semifinal list. Don’t be concerned if colleges are not in session now. You can return in the fall to those schools you plan to apply to for another visit that can include an overnight stay in a dorm, visits to classes, and meals in a dining hall.

  • As you visit colleges, try to meet with coaches (if you are interested in pursuing a sport in college).

  • Become familiar with the Common Application (www.commonapp.org) and find out about any supplements needed.