Freshman Year

• Get to know your counselor.

• Take the PSAT 9 given by Hoboken High School.

• Register on Naviance with your counselor. Use Naviance to check college admissions requirements. Plan a college prep course schedule for all four years of high school.

• Plan ahead for courses that require prerequisites.

• Recognize that class rank and grade point average (GPA) are calculated beginning in Grade 9. These are based on final grades in all courses attempted.

• Participate in co-curricular and community activities. Colleges are looking for students who have achieved in areas beyond academics.

• Consider attending a summer program on a college campus.

Sophomore Year

• Take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) for practice.

• Take the hardest courses in areas where you excel. Investigate honors and Advanced Placement courses.

• Visit your counselor.

• Investigate college course requirements.

• Plan an interesting summer, possibly participating in a challenging summer-enrichment program or a community activity. Check out college-based experience programs in the Guidance Office or College Resource Room.

• Consider attending a summer program on a college campus

Junior Year

• Continue taking courses which will sharpen your skills for college and enhance admission prospects.

• Visit your counselor.

• Attend College Fair in October.

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. National Merit semifinalists are selected from students who take this test in the 11th Grade.

• Ask your parents to check on scholarship programs that may be offered through their employers.

• At mid-year, begin to investigate specific college possibilities: 1) Meet with your counselor 2) Research colleges using Naviance 3) Sign up to talk with visiting college representatives using Naviance

• Write or call colleges requesting information.

• Check catalogs for specific entrance requirements (courses, tests, and dates).

• Enroll in The Princeton Review . This test preparation program is designed for collegebound juniors. • Take the SAT in the Spring.

• Consider taking another SAT or ACT in June. Register at www.collegeboard.com, www. ACT.org.

• Take the SAT Subject Tests in June if required by colleges. Register at www.collegeboard. com

• Spring and summer are the times to visit college admissions offices. Write or call ahead for an appointment. Ask about financial aid and scholarships.

• Consider attending a summer program on a college campus.

Senior Year

• Using Naviance, continue investigating various post secondary school options in the fall. Become familiar with college deadlines. Request applications, catalogs, and financial aid information. SIgn up for college visits and instant decision days in Naviance.

• Retake the ACT/SAT Reasoning Test if necessary (ACT.org, collegeboard.com).

• Take SAT Subject Tests as required; register at collegeboard.com

• Try to arrange college visits on teacher institute days or holidays.

• Attend College Night in October. Talk with college reps.

• Narrow your choices of colleges and try to categorize them: 1) A “reach” school 2) A school for which you are reasonably confident about meeting admission standards 3) A school for which you may exceed the admissions standards

• Pay close attention to application deadlines.

• Send test scores directly from testing agencies to colleges to which you are applying.

• Send mid-year grades if requested.

• Complete the Federal Financial Aid Student Application (FAFSA), which is available October 1.

• If you are accepted at more than one school, make the final decision on the college you will attend, and send your acceptance by May 1.

• Notify the other schools that you will be going elsewhere.

• Request that your final transcript is sent to the college of your choice