Junior Year:

 

Make a list of possible colleges. Consider the criteria that are the most important to you (for example, academic program, location, size, cost, athletics). Request information from these colleges and/or visit their website.

Attend the college fair at the College of DuPage in October to meet representatives from various colleges in Illinois and across the United States.

If you are planning on participating in college athletics, meet with your counselor to learn more about the NCAA Clearinghouse process.

Attend Financial Aid Night in November to learn more about the process of applying for and obtaining financial assistance for college.

Meet with college representatives when they come to Fenton. Listen to the announcements, check in the guidance office, or consult the guidance website for information on when schools will be visiting.

Continue to use the DISCOVER program to refine your potential college major and career interests.

Take the ACT in the spring. You will take it as a part of the PSAE in late April, but you may want to consider taking it in early April so that you will have more than one score from which to choose. If you are planning on participating in college athletics, you must take the ACT on a national test date; NCAA does not accept the PSAE test score.

Take the SAT in the spring if the school(s) to which you are applying require it.

Take the Advanced Placement exams in May if you are eligible. AP exams give you the opportunity to earn credit and/or advanced standing at most colleges/universities.

Meet with your counselor to discuss college information.

Talk about college planning with your parents. Discuss issues such as cost, location, and on-campus vs. off-campus living.

During registration in the early spring, make sure you sign up for challenging courses for your senior year. Don’t take an easy senior year—colleges want to know that you’ve challenged yourself during your entire high school career.

Continue participation in extracurricular activities and community service activities. Take on leadership roles when possible.

Throughout the year and during the summer, visit colleges in which you may be interested. Also consider visiting nearby colleges in order to get a better understanding of different types of schools (small private universities, large public universities, two-year colleges, etc.).