Concentrate on getting good grades! Colleges look at your freshman and sophomore grades.

Dedicate yourself to a few extracurricular activities and work toward a leadership position in them.

Compete in contests and competitions to collect some awards and honors. Keep a folder with your accomplishments so they are easy to find when you fill out your college applications.

Make a serious commitment to school and community activities.

Participate in community service projects and activities.

Continue researching colleges that interest you. Be sure to look specifically at admissions requirements. Develop a list of no more than ten possible schools.

Investigate summer programs that fit your interests & abilities -- sports camps, academic programs on college campuses, programs in the arts, volunteer work.

Begin exploring college opportunities -- attend local college fairs in October and the spring & use internet resources.

Take the  PSAT in October.

Take SAT II subject tests.  Generally, colleges require two of these content area tests.  Students can take these tests in May and June of their sophomore year.  It is best to take them immediately upon completion of the course.