Preparing For College Early Produces Positive Results

As a high school student, you need to start early in preparing for college and in defining your career goals. Do not think that you have all the time in the world to make your decision or that the 9th grade doesn't count. An alert high school student who is motivated to achieve his or her career goals knows that planning for the future is a priority for life's accomplishments. The accomplishment of future goals does not just happen. One needs to develop and follow a well thought out college attendance plan of action which focuses and directs his or her efforts to achieve the desired results. Ideally, preparatory action steps should be taken during each of the four years of high school attendance.

Also, the College Preparation Timeline depicted below provides a guide for you to take the appropriate steps at the appropriate time to achieve positive results. This Timeline shows the major tasks which should be performed and when.

Sophomore or Junior Year .Begin To Investigate Colleges .Write To Colleges .Meet With High School/Private Counselors .Sign Up For Practice Entrance Tests

Spring Of Junior Year .Respond To College Mail .Take The SAT Or ACT Test

Spring/Summer Of Junior Year .Begin Visiting Colleges

Summer Prior To Senior Year .Narrow Options To 5-10 Colleges

Fall Through End Of Senior Year .Visit Colleges .Apply To Colleges .Meet With College Representatives .Search And Apply For Scholarships .Plan Out Deadlines For Applications, Housing, And Financial Aid

January 1st Of Senior Year .Assess Need For Further Testing .Pick Up Financial Aid Forms From High School Or On-line And Complete As Soon As Possible

School Graduation .Send Final Transcript To College

Remember, when you adequately plan ahead for college attendance, you achieve positive results. The Planning Guide is an invaluable tool for use by students and parents in preparing for college.