Start Planning Now - Don't Stress Later!!! Adapted from: collegeforTEXANS.com
- September
- October
- November
- December/January
- February/March
- April
- May
- June/July
September
Find out the dates for the PSAT and the National Merit Scholars Qualifying
Test (NMSQT). Take some practice tests.
Be sure you are enrolled in classes required by the RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL
PROGRAM or the DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM to help make sure you're
ready for college-level courses and to improve your chances for a TEXAS
Grant.
Get a Social Security Number (SSN) if you don't already have one. You will
need it to apply for college and financial aid. Apply for a SSN by visiting
or calling your local Social Security Administration Office.
October
Start looking through college catalogs and guidebooks, and/or visit college
web sites. Put together a list of 10 colleges you would like to attend.
Plan to apply to three or more colleges or universities.
Discuss with your parents and counselor where you want to go to college.
Attend a college night or a college fair.
Take the PSAT/NMSQT test.
November
Look at college guide books in your counselor's office, the library, or on
web sites.
Request catalogs, admissions requirements, and financial aid information from
colleges.
Start planning to take the SAT or ACT test. Ask your high school counselor
about registration deadlines or visit a web site.
December/January
Search for financial aid and scholarships. Ms. Rutherford can help. On this
site, go to information on financial aid programs.
Talk to college students who attend the college or university in which you're
interested.
Plan to take the SAT this spring. These scores are needed for early admission
and for fall application deadlines.
February/March
Take the exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (
English/Spanish) this spring. Ask your counselor for TAKS Test dates.
April
Ask your high school counselor about the Early Admission (Early Decision)
plan offered by some colleges.
If you are enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, take Advanced Placement
(AP) tests.
May
Ask your English teacher for a summer reading list, and read those books.
Take summer courses if your counselor or the college has suggested doing so.
June/July
Schedule visits to each of the schools on your final list, if possible.
Contact the admissions office to schedule a campus tour.
Request college admission applications if you plan to attend a community
college, a Texas state technical college or a private (independent) college
or university. You can find applications for many Texas independent (private)
colleges and universities online at www.texasmentor.org(Your Guide to Texas
Private Colleges). Review the applications to learn what information you need
to gather before your busy senior year begins.
Some institutions require essays as part of your admission application. Start
working on yours now, if needed.