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Begin college selection process. Attend college fairs, financial aid
seminars, general information sessions, etc., to learn as much as you can
about the college application process. Make sure you are meeting NCAA
requirements if you want to play Division I or II sports in college.
September Register for the October PSAT. Meet with your guidance counselor
to review your courses for this year and plan your schedule for senior year.
Save samples of your best work for your academic portfolio (all year).
Maintain your co-curricular record (all year).
OCTOBER
Junior year PSAT scores may qualify a student for the National Merit
Scholarship Competition and the National Achievement and the National
Hispanic Scholars Programs. Eventhough these scores will not be used
for college admission, it is still a good idea to take the PSAT. If you wish
to receive free information from colleges, indicate on the PSAT test answer
form that you want to participate in the Student Search. Be sure you are
signed up for the PSAT test in the BMHS guidance office by 10/1.
Check the guidance office to see when college representatives are coming to
visit BMHS!
NOVEMBER
Junior year grades are extremely important in the college admission process,
because they are a measure of how well you do in advanced, upper-level
courses. Grades also are used to determine scholarships and grants for which
you may be eligible. So put in the extra effort and keep those grades up!
If you will require financial aid, start researching your options for
grants, scholarships and work-study programs. See Important Links on this
site to get started.
DECEMBER
During December you should receive the results of your PSAT. Read your score
report and consult your school counselor to determine how you might improve
on future standardized tests. The PSAT is excellent preparation for the SAT
Reasoning Test, which you will take in the spring.
All juniors at BMHS will take the ACT at school in late April as a state
test date. These results are accepted by ALL colleges except the NCAA and
the military academies.
Many colleges accept the ACT (American College Test) or the SAT Reasoning
Test. Some colleges require the ACT with writing (not given on the state
testing)or both SAT Reasoning Test and the SAT Subject Tests. When you begin
to explore different colleges and universities, double-check to see if they
prefer or require the ACT, the SAT Reasoning Test
and/or the SAT Subject Tests.
JANUARY
Begin to make a preliminary list of colleges you would like to investigate
further. Surf the Internet and use the college resources in the guidance
office or library. Visit the Important Links on this website for great
resources for your college search.
Ask your parents for your Social Security number (required on many college
applications). If you were never issued a Social Security number, contact
the closest Social Security office as soon as possible to obtain a number.
FEBRUARY
Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your preliminary list of
colleges. Discuss whether your initial list of colleges meets your needs and
interests (academic program, size, location, cost, etc.) and whether you are
considering colleges where you are likely to be admitted. You should be
optimistic and realistic when applying to colleges.
Register for the SAT Reasoning Test. Plan to take the SAT
Reasoning Test in May or June. Register for SAT Reasoning National test day
in April if interested.Prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT by
signing up for a prep course, using computer software, or doing the SAT/ACT
practice tests available in the counseling office or at bookstores. But
don't spend so much time trying to improve standardized test scores that
grades and co-curricular involvement suffer.
MARCH
Use the Internet to request admission literature and financial aid
information from the colleges on your list. There is no charge and no
obligation to obtain general information about admission and financial aid.
RMACAC sponsors a spring College Fair at Unversity of Denver 1-4PM at the
Ritchie Center. See Ms. Abbott for more info.
Register for ACT National test day in April if interested.
APRIL
When selecting your senior courses, be sure to continue to challenge
yourself academically.
Register for the May/June SAT Reasoning Test and/or the May/June SAT Subject
Tests. Not all SAT Subject Tests are given on every test date. Check the
calendar carefully to determine when the Subject Tests you want are offered.
Register for the June ACT if you want to take that test.
Continue to evaluate your list of colleges and universities. Eliminate
colleges from the original list that no longer interest you and add others
as appropriate.
Look into summer jobs or apply for special summer academic or enrichment
programs. Colleges love to see students using their knowledge and developing
their skills and interests.
Register for SAT/SAT IIs National test day in May if interested.
MAY
Get a jump start on summer activities-consider enrolling in an academic
course at a local college, pursuing a summer school program, applying for an
internship, working, or volunteering. If you work, save part of your
earnings for college.
Begin visiting colleges. Phone to set up appointments. Interviews are always
a good idea. Many colleges will tell you they are optional, but an interview
will show interest, enthusiasm and initiative on your part and provide an
excellent opportunity to have your questions answered. Do a practice
interview with your counselor, teacher, employer, or a senior who has had
college interviews. Set up interviews as early as possible-interview times
become booked quickly!
Do well on your AP exams! It makes a difference!
Register for ACT/SAT/SAT IIs National test day in June if interested.
JUNE
After school ends, get on the road to visit colleges. Seeing the college
firsthand, taking a tour and talking to students can be the greatest help in
deciding whether or not a school is right for you. Although it is ideal to
visit colleges during the academic year, going in the summer will be
valuable. Admission offices employ their students to give tours and answer
questions from prospective students and their parents.
Take the SAT Reasoning Test, the SAT Subject Tests and/or the ACT.
JULY
Visit colleges, take tours, have interviews and ask questions. Make college
visiting a family event. Involve your parents and siblings in every step of
your application process. Choosing the right college is a tough decision;
the opinions of those who know you best can provide helpful insight into
which college is best for you.
AUGUST
Continue to refine your list of potential colleges and universities.
Begin preparing for the actual application process: draft application
essays; collect writing samples; and assemble portfolios or audition tapes.
If you are an athlete and plan on playing in college, contact the coaches at
the schools to which you are applying and ask about intercollegiate and
intramural sports programs and athletic scholarships. Complete the NCAA
Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse form if you hope to play Division I or II
sports and request a trasncript be sent ot NCAA by the registrar. (These
forms cannot be mailed until you finish your junior year of high school.)
Reprinted from NACAC's PACT Guide, 2000. Revised Online Only: March 2005
Cutomized for BMHS students 12/2005
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