September Grade 11: Scrutinize your schedule. Take a strong college prep program. Prepare for PSAT. Make sure of registration and test dates. Grade 12: Ask two teachers for college recommendations; prepare for SAT I and II. Meet with college reps who visit your school. Set up interviews and college visits. Try to visit when students are on campus, stay overnight wherever possible. AHS allows three days of excused absences for college visits. October Grade 11: Take the PSAT. (Results in 4-6 weeks.) Top scores qualify for National Merit Scholarships (notification next fall). Grade 12: Visit colleges, have interviews; see more college reps at your school; register for SAT I and II, take ACT. November Grade 11: Develop preliminary college list with counselor. Grade 12: Take SAT I and II, continue interviewing and meeting college reps; fill out college application forms; complete early applications for Nov. deadline. December Grade 11: If you are taking an Advanced Placement Course, ask about AP exam (content and registration). Grade 12: Some early decision replies; mail applications to colleges with Jan. 1 deadlines; ask counselor about available scholarships, financial aid forms available after Dec. 1; SAT I and II administered. January Grade 11: Discuss PSAT scores with counselor, plan SAT prep; start studying for SAT I and II. Grade 12: Most regular decision applications due; make sure all materials have been sent and received; some SAT II tests given this month; most scholarship applications due, SAT I. February Grade 11: Prepare for spring SAT I and II; ACT given this month. Sharpen your pencils and remember: The SAT has stated that it does help to prepare. Grade 12: Submit applications to colleges with Feb.1 or Feb.15 deadlines. Send updated material to add to your file at each college -- mid-year grades, new accomplishments. March Grade 11: SAT I in all states but NY, register for later SAT I and II, and AP. Write to some colleges for brochures. Grade 12: Some college acceptances come this month. Not too late to apply to more schools if necessary. April Grade 11: Review college brochures and applications; ACT given. Grade 12: Most college acceptances and financial aid decisions come this month. Make careful decisions with parents and counselor. Visit any schools you have not seen, overnight if possible. Most colleges request your reply by May 1. May Grade 11: SAT I, SAT II and AP Exams this month. Make appointments for summer interviews. (Many colleges have summer school, so you can see classes in session.) Grade 12: Take AP exams if applicable; keep applying for independent scholarships. June Grade 11: SAT I and II, and ACT given this month (results available during the summer). Confirm next year's courses. Grade 12: Study college course catalog and make a list of courses you would like to take next year. July Grade 11: Results of AP tests arrive; start visiting and having interviews at colleges; write thank-you notes. Start a file of brochures and applications for schools you like. Grade 12: Receive AP results; take keyboarding course, update computer skills. August Grade 11: Continue college visits and interviews; start thinking about essay topics; copy applications and begin filling out draft pages. Grade 12: Freshman orientation at some colleges. Contact your consultant if you have questions about course choice. Prepare extra long sheets and an extra large smile. You're about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

[TOP OF PAGE]