September
Begin to imagine school buses and hall passes as part of the past.
What will the college version of you be like and what kind of school
will you want attend?

October
It’s PSAT season. The P is for preliminary, so your scores won’t make
or break your college chances. The test scores, however, can determine
which schools will contact you.

December
Request a calendar or PDA as a holiday gift. There’s no time like the
present to start writing down due dates for college info.

January
As your college search begins, so should your preparation for the
ACTs and SATs. Though you should still eat, sleep, and have fun
every once in a while, some form of preparation will be necessary.

February
Consider which schools to which you might want to apply. Talk with
people you know like your parents, friends, teachers or guidance
counselors; surf the web; check catalogues such as Barron’s Profile
of American Colleges; and go to local college fairs.

March
Plan to hit the road this summer. Schedule college campus visits.
Students won’t be there, but at least you’ll be able to tell how small
your dorm room will be.

April
Your list shouldn’t be as long as the Barron’s catalogue itself. Narrow
it down using such factors as selectivity, distance from home, size,
and majors offered. Register for the SAT or ACT, depending on what
a school you’re interested in may require.

May
Time for SAT I and ACT. Doing well is good; freaking out is not. If you
bomb the test, you’ll have plenty of time to retake it.

September
Cut your college list to about six schools, including a safety school.
Request applications from schools or download them. If round one
didn’t go so well, register and retake the SAT or ACT. If your school
requires it, register for and take SAT II.

October
Start working on your application essays. Make overnight visits to
schools and learn about them from the students themselves.

November
Bring in lots of apples and start begging your teachers, advisers and
coaches for recommendations. If you’re applying for early decision,
applications are due between Nov. 1 and Nov. 15. Gather appropriate
financial aid forms.

December
Check your deadlines, because some applications may be due by Dec. 15.
Your essays, or shall we say works of genius, should be completed.

January
Financial aid applications should be sent in shortly after Jan. 1.

February
Check the mail five times a day. Admissions letters will be arriving,
so will financial aid notices.

March

Send back deposits to hold your spot wherever you are accepted.
Don’t forget housing deposits too.

April
Inform the lucky school that you’ll be attending, and tell the others not to be too disappointed as you submit your rejections.

ACT - SAT Test dates for 2006