• Talk to your parents about going to college. Be sure to discuss your ideas, their ideas, and how your family will pay for college.  

• Attend the Virtual College/Career Night in October. Watch your Google Classroom for more information.  

• If you haven’t already done so, begin earning and saving money for college expenses.  

• If possible, your parents might want to consider meeting with a financial advisor to understand college financial aid and personal savings strategies.  

• Learn about college admission course requirements.  

• Develop a three-year plan of courses that you will take to meet admission requirements and prepare you for college.  

• Become involved in school and community activities that interest you. Selective colleges especially are interested in students who have a variety of experiences including community service.  

• If you are a sophomore, register for and take the PSAT/NMSQT in October with College Board. You can register at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10.  

• Find out what resources are available in our school to help you plan for college. Begin reading and exploring college information sites on the internet to learn as much as you can about various colleges and the college admission process.  

• When vacationing with your family, stop and visit colleges in different towns to see what various colleges are like.  

• In the spring, review your three-year course plan as you register for sophomore/junior year classes. Consider taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects that you are particularly strong. 

• Continue saving money for college.  

• Review your high school course plans. Consider taking AP classes in your senior year.  

• Consider what school and community activities you will be involved in this year, and whether you might want to pursue a leadership role in one or more of those activities.  

• Attend College and Career Night. Watch for information on your Google Classroom.  

• Attend college admission presentations hosted by KSS throughout the fall. 

• Register for and take the PSAT/NMSQT in October with College Board. You can register at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10 Be sure to read the Study Guide beforehand to familiarize yourself with the test.  

• Continue throughout the year to learn about colleges. Look at their websites.  

• Use Spring Break and summer vacation to visit colleges.  

• Continue educating yourself about college costs, financial aid, and scholarships. Check the school’s Scholarship Newsletter on a regular basis for scholarship opportunities for juniors.  

• Plan to take the SAT or ACT in the spring if needed. Registration deadlines for these tests are about six weeks before the test. Information and testing dates can be found at https://www.collegeboard.org/  

• Develop a preliminary list of colleges that interest you and visit their websites. 

• If you are interested in ROTC programs or attending one of the Service Academies, stop by the SSC to find out about application information.  

• Use your summer to earn money, read about colleges, study for the SAT, ACT, and make college visits. 

SEPTEMBER  

• Continue to read and study college guidance materials. Narrow down the number of colleges you plan to apply to.  

• Make certain you are taking the required courses for college admission and graduation.  

• Familiarize yourself with the application requirements for each of the schools you plan to apply at. Make note of the deadlines!  

• Register for the SAT or ACT at https://www.collegeboard.org/ exam prior to December. Most schools test is optional this year but be sure to check the schools website for admission requirements.  Begin making a weekly habit of checking the Scholarship Newsletter available on the KSS Counseling Website.  

• Check out Financial Aid information on your Google Classroom

• Meet with college admission representatives scheduled to visit our school beginning in September. 

• Read the daily bulletin and check your google classroom for upcoming visits. 

OCTOBER  

• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning October 1.  Be sure to check FAFSA deadlines for the schools you apply to.  

• Attend the College and Career Fair in October. Watch for information on your Google Classroom.  

• Take the October SAT or ACT, or register for the November SAT or ACT exams.   

• Check your Google Classroom about financial aid. Read and study these materials.  

• Prepare a resume of biographical data for use in requesting letters of recommendation if you haven’t already done so.

NOVEMBER  

• Begin filling out college application materials. Many colleges have November deadlines.  

• Request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors if you will need them. (A four week notice is recommended). Use the Letter of Recommendation form to send to teachers and counselors for your request.  

DECEMBER  

• Use the Winter Break to attend campus visits if the school is offering them and talk to returning alumni about schools they attend.  

• Work on writing your college essays if one is needed. 

JANUARY  

• Continue checking the Scholarship Newsletter and applying for scholarships for which you qualify. 

FEBRUARY  

• Have a mid-year report sent by the Counseling Technician to selective colleges that require a mid-year report. 

• Check application deadlines for all other college choices.  

MARCH / APRIL  

• Colleges will begin sending admission decision notices. Pay attention to deposit deadlines and housing deposit deadlines.  

• Review financial aid award notices. Return updated information as required.  

• Rank preferences of colleges that have accepted you. You can send only one deposit, so think it over carefully before the deadline. 

MAY/JUNE/JULY  

• Deposits due to most universities by May 1.  If you were “wait-listed” by a college, call and write to ask about your application and indicate your continued desire to attend. Update them on any new awards or honors earned.  

• Make sure that you have returned all required financial aid notices including the acceptance form.  

• Notify Mrs. Welch of scholarships and awards that you have received. 

• Send in housing applications or begin searching for other types of housing.  

• Request a final transcript in Parchment to send a final transcript to the college you will attend. This is not done automatically!  

• Take placement tests if required.  

• Attend freshman orientation and advising sessions at the college of your choice.