• Get off to a good start academically
• Work with parents and counselor to implement post-secondary plans
• Register for the PSAT

October

• Take PSAT Exam in October

November

• Maintain focus on academic work
• Discuss career and college interests with your guidance counselor
• Begin to identify college that may be an appropriate “fit’ for you.

December

• Assess your PSAT results
• Develop plans to prepare for the SAT(s)
• Discuss options available to improve your test taking skills

January

• Consider SAT test prep if needed
• Finalize your testing plan for the remainder of the year
• Fully prepare for mid-year exams
• Create a list of “Prospective colleges”

February

• Develop an Activities List
• Research colleges that fit your career interests and personal goals
• Create a file for each college or university that you are considering

March

• Continue to investigate post-secondary options that interest you
• Register for the May SAT (at BMR)
• Make appointments to visit colleges and universities.
• Decide whether you plan to take SAT Subject tests
• Explore post-secondary institutions on line and email them for admission materials

April

• Attend spring college fairs(Boston National College Fair in April)
• Visit local colleges during spring vacation
• Continue researching post-secondary opportunities
• Register for the June SAT or SAT Subject test
• Register for June ACT
• Take SAT Subject Tests, if required by colleges that interest you

May

• Take May SAT
• Narrow down your list of colleges
• Continue to visit colleges and universities
• Update Activity List
• Ask current teachers for letters of recommendation

June

• Take SAT or SAT Subject Tests and/or ACT
• Assess May SAT scores and plan future testing based on results

July

• Continue to visit colleges
• Obtain college applications. The Common Application usually becomes available online in early July.
• Write first draft of college essay