Checklists

Make plans to take the PSAT/NMSQT.
Look at the PSAT/NMSQT page on collegeboard.org.
Review your course selections; be sure your courses are preparing you for college.
If you plan to request testing accommodations, get an eligibility form and talk to your counselor.
Inquire about Financial Aid Night and plan to attend.

Search for colleges. Use Naviance and collegeboard.org to find schools that meet your criteria.
Plan college visits whenever possible.
If high school alumni visit during the holidays, be sure to talk with them about their college experiences.

Review your PSAT/NMSQT score report. Use the Improve Your Skills section to strengthen your weaker areas. Use your test, the correct answers, and your responses to help prepare for the SAT.
Register for the January or March SAT (on collegeboard.org) or February ACT if applicable.
Create a file to manage your college search, testing, and application information.

Explore financial aid possibilities with your counselor, through your library, and through your parents’ connections (employers, professional organizations, religious affiliations, etc.).
Memorize PVHS’ College Entrance Examination Board CEEB number (334651)
Visit collegeboard.org and connection.naviance.com/putnam on a regular basis.
Talk to your counselor and/or teachers about taking SAT Subject Tests this spring. Even if a college does not require them, Subject Tests can often supply support to an application.

Look at the Naviance and College Board web sites for college-bound information.
If you have not already stared looking at particular colleges, you should start now!
Meet with your counselor frequently to begin developing a list of colleges to check out!

Register for May SAT or SAT Subject Tests early to avoid the late registration fee. This is also the time to register for the April ACT.
Students who plan to take an SAT Subject Test may want to take the SAT this month.
Check with your counselor for summer programs on college campuses.
When registering for senior year courses, be sure to select strong college preparatory courses. Consider AP courses.
Create an initial list of colleges to contact for additional information.

Prepare for AP Exams, if applicable, and visit the AP page on www.collegeboard.org
Attend college fairs in your area.
Visit colleges that interest you; if possible, attend classes on campus.

Take AP Exams, if applicable.
Take SAT exams if applicable.
Attend local college fairs.
Register for the June ACT.
Create your "resume"- record all your accomplishments, involvements, and work experiences over the past three years.

SAT and SAT Subject Tests are offered.
The last ACT of the school year is offered.
End the school year with strong grades.
Ask your English teacher for a suggested summer reading list.
If you are considering military academies or ROTC scholarships, be sure to contact your counselor before leaving school for the summer.

Senior Year

Check registration deadline for the October SAT. (Good test date for those applying for Early Decision or Early Action)
Have your SAT Scores/ACT scores sent directly to your colleges.
Check Registration deadlines for October ACT & November SAT
Review your transcript.
Narrow down your list of colleges. Be sure list includes “safe” schools as well as “reach” and “realistic” schools.
Input your list of colleges into Naviance and request transcripts.
Request teacher and counselor recommendations.
Send a request to your teachers (after speaking to them) through Naviance.
Visit www.collegeboard.org to practice sample SAT test items.
Visit www.act.org to practice sample ACT test items.
Meet with college representatives who visit your school this fall.
Attend Financial Aid Night

Check registration deadline for November SAT.
Finalize college choices.
Work on application essays.
Ask teachers and counselors to read essays.
Complete Early Decision and Early Action applications.
Update your ‘resume’-your list of accomplishments, involvements, and work experiences.
Apply for a PIN for the FAFSA. You can complete the FAFSA at this time as well at www.fafsa.ed.gov

Check registration deadline for December SAT and SAT Subject tests.
Have SAT/ACT Scores sent directly to colleges.
Meet Early Decision and Early Action deadlines.
Assist parents with completing CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE for colleges that require it @ www.collegeboard.org.
Give your guidance office enough time (at least two weeks prior to the college’s deadline) to process your applications.

Continue to research scholarship opportunities through the Guidance website, counselors, libraries, and by contacting colleges directly.

Take AP exams, if applicable
Keep up the academic momentum.
Thank teachers/counselors who wrote recommendations.
Ask your secondary school to send a final transcript to the college you will attend.