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Use the TeenInk link above for college articles written by teens. Good Stuff!!
College Admission Timetable Link above covers Freshmen through Seniors. Be Prepared!!
Job Search Tips in this down market.
College Admission Timetable
GRADE 9
- Enroll in college prep courses. Math and English are essential.
- Begin to read about admissions and think about your college financing plan.
GRADE 10
FALL TERM
- Contact the guidance couselor to discuss plans regarding college.
- In October you may elect to take the PSAT or PLAN (pre-ACT test) for practice.
WINTER AND SPRING TERM
- Consider taking SAT II for courses you are completing this year.
GRADE 11
SUMMER BEFORE:
- Begin preparation for the PSAT/NMSQT and PLAN. If you feel you could use help, seek a reliable prep course.
- Begin exploring college interests and vist local campuses to get a feel for various settings.
FALL TERM;
- Contact your high school counselor to initiate the college selection process.
- October: Register and take the PSAT/NMSQT and PLAN.
WINTER TERM:
- Attend college fairs to gather information and speak with college representatives.
- Visit nearby colleges to help gain a better understanding of characteristics that are important to you, for example, location and size.
- Attend college information sessions at your school for additional financial information.
SPRING TERM:
- Register and take SAT or ACT. Consider a prep course if you need help.
- Take SAT II, especially in subjects in which you are taking the last course.
GRADE 12
SUMMER BEFORE:
- Call or write colleges for appointments for interviews and visits. It is usually better to visit a college when students are on campus to get a real flavor of campus life.
- Begin to narrow your list of colleges.
- Request catalogs and applications.
FALL TERM:
- Contact your guidance counselor.
- Develop a final college application list.
- If previous SAT/ACT scores are low, retake the tests, and forward scores to colleges where you are applying.
- Begin admission applications, especially the essay. Have a teacher or a counselor review a draft.
- Apply for all possible scholarships.
- Most Early Action/Decision applications are due November 1-15, so make sure application materials are forwarded early.
WINTER TERM:
- Complete applications for regular admissions. Include one or two "safeties" and one "reach." Pay careful attention to deadlines! Apply for financial aid.
- Request transcripts, send all recommendations (teachers and counselors) and other supporting data to colleges.
- Complete and send appropriate financial aid applications.
- Be sure to keep a copy of every document. It will save you time, money, and aggravation if an application is lost.
- In January/February, check with the college registrar to see if your application is complete and they have received all necessary data.
SPRING TERM:
- March/April - Colleges send admission, rejection, and waiting list letters.
- Make your choice and, if necessary, visit colleges again to be sure.
- April/May- Send an acceptance letter and deposit to your college of choice and write polite letters of refusal to the others.
JOB SEARCH TIPS
- Get Social--Now is not the time to hide away in your house. Get involved with things that interest you. Many times jobs come through people you meet or know, even through sports and things you do for enjoyment.
- Let people know you are looking for work--Don't be shy.
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