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World-Class Education in the Real World (tm)
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Checklist for College

Printable version
 
When What to do
Freshman & Sophomore Years of High School
Become familiar with college entrance requirements.
For more information, visit http://www.actstudent.org/college/checklist.html or http://www.mapping-your-future.org/selecting/applying.htm
Think about reasons for going to college and characteristics of schools that are important to you.
Go to: http://www.actstudent.org/college/reasons.html or mapping-your-future.org/selecting/schoolch.htm
Plan high school course selections to meet recommended college preparation suggestions.
For more information, visit http://www.actstudent.org/college/plancourses.html or view WSU's recommended high school curriculum
Attend college fairs in your area.
Get more involved with extracurricular activities in your school and community.

Prepare for school entrance exams. Take the PSAT and PLAN now in preparation for next year.
Go to: http://www.mapping-your-future.org/selecting/standard.htm for info on both exams.
When What to do
Junior Year
Sept. - Aug.
Request information from schools and colleges such as admission viewbooks, financial aid and scholarships brochures and housing options.
Attend college fairs/open houses/school visits in your area or schools you are considering.
Meet with your high school guidance counselor to review your college plans.
Take the PSAT for a chance at the National Merit Scholarship.
Go to: mapping-your-future.org/selecting/standard.htm for info on both exams
Jan. - Mar.
Consider taking Advanced Placement exams in your senior year schedule. AP credits can earn you college credit.

Identify important factors in selecting a school or college.
Go to: http://www.actstudent.org/college/factors.html
Feb. - June
Register for and take college admission exams - the SAT and/or ACT.
Go to: actstudent.org/regist/index.html or mapping-your-future.org/selecting/standard.htm
Mar. - Aug.
Continue to review college list to narrow your top choices.
When What to do
Senior Year
Aug. - Dec.
Apply to the colleges of your choice.
Go to: http://www.actstudent.org/college/applychoice.html
For schools that require counselor or teacher recommendations, be sure to give them a resume of your school and extracurricular activities in advance.
Re-take college admission exams if necessary.
Talk to your high school guidance counselor about local scholarship opportunities and search for other scholarships.
Go to: mapping-your-future.org/paying/schlolar.htm
Jan. - Apr.
Make final decision