11th grade to do list

Junior year - To do's

Through the year:
1. Concentrate on your GPA. Keep your grades high and your courses as challenging as possible.
2. Get information packets from the colleges you're considering. Request
them from college web sites or call the admissions department.
3. Intensify your scholarship search. Keep track of deadlines and requirements.
4. Attend career days, college fairs and financial aid workshops.
5. Start your in-depth college visits this year.

Fall:
1. Meet with your counselor. Be sure your classes are on the right track
for the colleges you're considering and that you're meeting graduation requirements.

2. Register for and take the PSAT. This year it counts for the National
Merit Scholarship.
3. Talk to your coach if you want to play for a college team or apply for
an athletic scholarship.
4. Schedule dates to take the SAT and ACT tests. Arrange to take both tests at least once during your junior year.
5. Investigate financial aid programs now before the financial 'base' year begins.
6. Contact the US military academies now if you want to apply.
7. Research summer workshops and college courses for high school students.

Winter:
1. Review your PSAT results with your counselor. Pump up any weak subjects.
2. Register for the SAT, ACT and SAT II tests if the colleges you're considering require them. If you're applying Early Decision, and want to take them a second time, be sure to take the SAT and ACT again in June.
3. Decide what campus, programs, volunteer work and classes you want to
attend or take in summer.

Spring:
1. Compile writing samples put together portfolios, and work on audition
tapes if the colleges or scholarships you're applying to require them.
2. Consider taking a summer class. You can start earning college credit
by taking 'dual credit courses' or classes at a community college.
3. Take AP exams for the AP classes you've completed.
4. See your counselor for an NCAA clearinghouse form if you want to play
sports in college.
5. Look for a summer job. Try to get one related to a major you're considering.

Summer:
1. Request applications for scholarships.
2. Start work on your essays for college applications and scholarships.
3. Zero in on what teachers you want to ask for recommendations.
4. Work on your resume.
5. Start your application process if you're applying Early Decision or Early Action.