Juniors (11th
Grade)
September
Prepare for and take
PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). This is the only
time that the test scores will be considered for the National Merit Scholarship
competition.
October
- Make a list of colleges or universities you may want to attend and discuss
them with your parents and counselor.
- Discuss your financial plans.
December
- Keep looking for scholarships and financial aid resources (or get started
now, if you haven't already).
- Fast Web www.fastweb.com
- www.finaid.org
- www.aie.org
January
- Send letters or e-mails to the colleges on your list requesting information.
Start evaluating these schools.
- Begin using www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov to get an idea of what your EFC (Expected
Family Contribution) will be.
February
- Plan visits with your parents to the schools that interest you. If
possible, arrange to be on campus while classes are in session. Contact
each school's admission and financial aid office before visiting that school.
If you can't get to the actual schools, attend local or regional college fairs.
- Sign up for and prepare for the last ACT and SAT on the last test dates
of this academic year. You should take both tests. The Texas colleges
you're considering must use the better score. Most other colleges will also
use the better score.
March
- Begin to narrow your list of colleges and career choices. If you intend
to apply for an ROTC scholarship, begin this process now.
May
- Update your list of activities and awards. Consider taking a course
at the local community college this summer. Look for a summer job or
volunteer activity.
June
- Begin writing your resume and start assembling writing samples, portfolios,
audition tapes, or any other information that you may use in your college
application.
July
- Try to narrow your school choices - selecting 2 to 3 schools is recommended.
August
- If you're planning to attend a school that has an early decision deadline,
start the admission and scholarship application process. Keep copies
of everything you send them. Be aware of deadlines for admission, scholarships
and financial aid - each date will probably be different at each school.