During Junior years, preparation for college applications becomes more intense. Specifically, consider the following the suggested timeline:

• Begin talking to your parents about financing your college education.
• Continue gathering information about colleges of interest -- college fairs, the internet, meetings with college representatives.
• Narrow your college choices to no more than five schools.
• Visit colleges!
• Review your high school courses and plans for the future with your counselor.
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
• Seek leadership positions in school and community activities.
• Investigate scholarship opportunities.

• Sign up for challenging senior courses that will prepare you for college.
• Discuss college and career plans with your parents and counselor.
• Investigate scholarships and other financial aid opportunities.
• Visit colleges.
• Take the SAT and SAT II subject tests.
• Consider special summer programs, volunteer work, or a part-time job.
• Update activities and awards/honors records.
• Request letters of recommendation from your teachers before school is over so that they can write them over the summer.

• Type first draft of your activities resume.
• Draft your college essays. The questions are usually available in July.
• Continue campus visits.
• Continue scholarship research.
• Do community service.
• Get a part time job.
• Get ready to have a very busy senior year.