Month-to-Month Planner for High School Juniors
College is Closer than You Think.
September
- Find out the dates for the PSAT and the National Merit Scholars Qualifying Test (NMSQT) and register for them. 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 an 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. A good source of information is our List of Higher Education Institutions in Texas. It links to all colleges and universities in Texas. If you're interested in colleges or universities in other states, visit our Online Library for links to specific college and college-related 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 I and/or SAT II exams, if necessary. You may also need to take the ACT test. Ask your high school counselor about registration deadlines or visit a web site.
December/January
- Search for financial aid and scholarships. Your high school counselor 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-August
- 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. 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.
For more tips, check out the College Board's Planning Calendars.
