5 QUESTIONS

Junior Year
Edition

STUDENTSMUSTASKWHILE COLLEGEANDCAREER
PLANNING

Table of
Contents

1	Introduction

2	What do I want to be?

13	What are my priorities this year?

22

What's my college and career

plan?

37	Am I ready for college?

46

How should I prepare the

next two years?

52	One last thing ...

(c) 2016 by ACT, Inc. All rights reserved.

Introduction

Welcome to your junior year!

Do you sense something a	Don’t worry! All it takes little different this school	to prepare yourself for the year? A sense of excitement	future is a little planning —maybe even control—over	—and your junior year is your future? Or maybe	the perfect time to start! you’re feeling overwhelmed	This guide, from the
or anxious about your future.	college and career

Are you getting your first	readiness experts at ACT, letters from colleges or	maps out ways you can universities? Earning your	start preparing for your first paychecks from a	future right now. It all weekend job? Feeling the	starts by asking yourself urge that it’s time to “get	five basic questions, serious” about future stuff?	then figuring out the
answers. And let’s not forget balancing
all of that with homework, studying, friends, sports,
activities—all the challenges	Let’s get started with of being a junior. It’s easy to	question No. 1 … get stressed out.

1

Question No. 1

'WhatdoI wantto be?'

2

'Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.'

- Helen Keller

3

You're at the age where you've probably had to get yourself from one place to another (driving, traveling) without help from an adult. Even if it wasn’t far away, you needed directions or a GPS to get there.

That’s just like life.

Having a direction in life is key. Making a plan for success is the best way to make that success happen.

And now, your junior year, is the time to start that planning, if you haven’t already.

It all starts with the first step …

4

Ask yourself:

1. What do I like to do? 2. What am I good at?
3. What’s important to me?

Consider your answers	Or, maybe you’re not the big “X” on the	sure you can answer roadmap to your career.	these questions
yourself. Try finding Knowing who you are	someone who knows and what matters to you	you well and ask them (your interests, abilities,	those questions about and values) can guide	you. The answers might every decision about	surprise you, and
your direction after high	hopefully you’ll find school.	encouragement and
direction from them. Make a list of answers
to each question and look for repeated words and phrases (“animals,” “caring for others,” “sports,” “leadership”) that might help point you in a career direction.

5

“Thinkoutloud”aboutyourfuture

It’s never too early to think	“Job shadow” at a about your direction in life.	business that sounds Think about what you do	interesting to you. well, what you enjoy doing,	Set up regular
and how your interests and	meetings with your goals compare those	school counselor needed in a career.	about career options.
Find a mentor—a

But don’t do it alone. It’s	person with knowledge time to get out there and	and experience who can talk with older students and	help you figure out your adults about what career	career goals.
options are available for	Talk with classmates you.	with similar goals

Do some volunteer

work for a local

about how they plan to

get there.

nonprofit group or volunteer organization, especially one that looks interesting to you. Talk to the adults in your life about their careers and what they
like best about them.

Keep in mind, too, that your career goals today don't have to be your goals tomorrow. They’re the first steps in a long journey with plenty of room to adjust and evolve as you examine
careers and get more

experience trying them out.

6

Wherewillyougoafterhighschool?

Your counselor will tell	2. Going to college most you that continuing your	often results in higher job education after high	salaries. The US Bureau of school (at a two- or four-	Labor Statistics says workers year college, technical	with bachelor’s degrees earn, school, trade school, etc.)	on average, $1 million more may be the most ideal	than workers with high school way to go. There are lots	diplomas over their lifetime. of reasons to go to
college, but here are two	You might have friends and

of the most important:	classmates who not only know they’re headed to college but
1. Most future jobs will	also have already chosen require at least some	which college, major, dorm, college education	etc. Are these people making before hiring. The Center	you feel overwhelmed or
on Education and the	behind the curve? Workforce says 65% of
future jobs will require	Don’t worry! Take a deep education beyond high	breath. It’s OK not to know school.	what your future holds. Just
take it one step at a time.

7

The first step toward a bright future is exploring your career interests.

One great, FREE resource is ACT Profile, which takes your personal
interests and helps you create a personalized map to college and work, including which careers and majors link with your interests, abilities, and values.

Fill out an interest inventory on ACT Profile and get personalized, interactive career maps and
information about colleges and careers that link directly to you and your interests.

Click here to try it out.

Learnmore,earnmore

One important thing to consider when choosing whether to attend college is the amount of money you can expect to make in your chosen career. Government research shows that salaries rise considerably when you have a college degree—and the higher the degree, the better the salary.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

9

exploringOptionsbesidescollege

There are plenty of career opportunities for high school graduates who don't want (or aren't ready) to pursue college after high school. Here are some tips for finding employment directly after high school.

Discuss employment options with your counselor, given your special talents and abilities
You can also ask your counselor about vocational and technical programs offered at your high school or nearby providers
If you’re already working, look into higher-level jobs with your current employer
Look for apprenticeships and other job training opportunities
Look at employment websites for opportunities and job
requirements

Ask to “job shadow” at a local business to get a feel for the environment and expectations in jobs that pique your interest Work with your counselor or the local employment office on developing a cover letter, resume, or personal website to help you apply for jobs Consider getting a professional certification, license, accreditation, or an employability certificate (like the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate™) to boost your job
prospects

10

exploringOptionsbesidescollege

Another post-high school option is serving in the US Armed Forces. Here, you can gain real-world job skills and even scholarship opportunities that might lead you to a college path. You can also serve while attending college.

Stop by your local military recruiters’ office or meet with recruiters during their visits to high school
Interview family and friends who have served Evaluate any physical limitations that might prevent you from serving Compare military training opportunities with job positions outside the military Compare benefits, tours of duty, training, and promotion opportunities of various military programs

11

Workskillsyouwillneed

According to ACT research, these are the top employability skills needed to perform virtually any job:

Reading (for information	Teamwork

in manuals, instructions,	(understanding and etc.)	performing your role Math (and applying it to	within a team)
work tasks, such as	Writing (clear and error-measurement)	free composition) Locating information (in	Listening (following and workplace graphics, such	understanding
as charts and graphs)	workplace processes)

Applied

technology (working with

Observation

(processes,

machines and equipment)	demonstrations, etc.)

ACT keeps a database of the skill levels needed for virtually any job. Click here to search for the jobs you’re interested in.

12

Question No. 2

'Whataremy priorities thisyear?'

13

'It is not a daily increase, but a daily decrease. Hack away at the inessentials.'

- Bruce Lee

14

Junioryearpriority: Getcorecoursescovered

It’s all about the core.

You’ve likely gotten a chance to take at least some core courses during your first two years of high school. Core courses are a big priority because they give your brain the building blocks needed to be ready for college and your career.

According to ACT, your schedule should include the following courses:

ENGLISH: 4 years MATH: 3 years (including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II)
SCIENCE: (including Biology, Chemistry, and
Physics)

SOCIAL STUDIES: 3 years
OTHER: Foreign language, visual and performing arts, computer science, and
many more

15

Why are these courses important? Most colleges require them for admission, for one —although requirements vary from college to college, so be sure to talk with your counselor or look online for specific colleges’ requirements.

Secondly, what you learn in these classes will give you the well-rounded knowledge you’ll need later in life.

Here are some more things to keep in mind when scheduling classes for your last two years of high
school:

Four years of English or language arts courses will strengthen your reading, writing, and speaking skills necessary for college or career.
A series of mathematics courses is crucial as you prepare for 21st-century careers.
Many colleges and universities require three years of social studies in high school.
Like math, science skills are highly important to future jobs. Take at least three years of science, including one laboratory
course.

Familiarize yourself with the graduation requirements of your school. What are you missing?

16

Schedule at least a year	You could be eligible to of visual or performing	take classes at a
arts classes, such as	community college or choir, band, theater,	online for dual credit. drama, or dance classes.	This is a great
Don’t forget electives               opportunity to earn courses! They’re a great           college credit early
way to not only earn	(possibly for free—check academic credit but to	with your high school) help you explore special	and get some real college interests.	experience in before Foreign language	making the leap. Ask courses are important for	your counselor for helping you understand	opportunities.
the world and its people,	You can also ask your but remember also that	school about
many colleges require	applied academics foreign language credits	courses, which use
to graduate, as well. You	hands-on approaches to might even earn enough	learning and often meet foreign language credits	core course credit.
in high school to fulfill the	Most students know how requirement in college.	to use computers, but
your school probably offers electives on that topic if you need to play catch-up.

17

Junioryearpriority: Makehighschoolcount

You can make your junior and senior years the foundation for your whole future. Just make sure your plan includes the right priorities and gets the most out of your time in high school.

Get to class (and be present)

“Ninety percent of success is showing up.” You might have heard that old saying from your parents or grandparents. It’s a good one to keep in mind—especially if “senioritis” is already starting to happen.

Attending class is about more than grades—it’s preparing you for more difficult classes, for college admissions tests, for jobs. Listen and participate.

18

Keep your grades up

Getting (and keeping) good grades is important. For one, your GPA is a huge factor in college admissions decisions. Secondly, your grades reflect how well you listened, participated, and performed in class.

Pay attention. Get assignments in on time. Do your best.

Develop good habits

Along with all the stuff you learn in the classroom, you can also learn good study habits—skills that will help you succeed in college and career and help develop a solid work ethic.

Consider a few pointers to give you an advantage in the classroom and to help you develop good habits.

19

Develop good habits (continued)

Discover a quiet	Use your library. place to study. Find a	Believe it or not, you
place that’s free of	won’t find all the answers distractions and noise	online (and you can’t where you won’t be	even be sure they’re interrupted. Ask your	factually correct). Get a parents, guardians, or	library card, make your teachers for	librarian your new best recommendations.	friend, and you’ll be
Plan a daily	surprised how much the homework schedule,	content of your work and stick to it.	improves.
Try to sit near the	Read the news

front of the	regularly to build your classroom during	reading skills and your class time. Studies	understanding of the show students who sit	world.
there get better	Find a dictionary—that grades.	book you sometimes Get a support system	need when autocorrect of friends and family	isn’t an option—and look
—“study buddies” to	up words you don’t know. help you get ready for	Build your vocabulary a tests, complete	little bit every day. homework, and even
proofread your essays and reports.

20

Make extracurriculars count

Colleges and employers love extracurricular activities. They build teamwork skills. They make you more creative. They show there’s more to you than just book smarts.

Most schools have extracurricular activities that fit just about every student: athletes, “mathletes,” thespians, musicians, builders, gamers, artists, extroverts, introverts … all kinds of personalities. There’s a team or group waiting for you.

Use your extracurricular experience in your college, internship, or job applications. It not only enhances your skill set, it shows who you are as a person. That can help with developing relationships with employers, coworkers, and fellow students.

21

Question No. 3

'What'smy collegeand careerplan?'

22

'Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree long ago.'

- Warren Buffett

23

Putyourplantowork

Once you’ve developed a better sense of your direction after high school, it’s time to make your plan work for you.

Is college your destination after high school? There are three big factors colleges and universities consider when accepting applicants:

High school grade point average (HSGPA)
High school course selection
College readiness assessment scores (ACT®, SAT®)

That means your grades should be in line with what’s expected at college, and you’ll need to prepare to take a college readiness assessment. Most students take one for the first time during their junior year.

Check with your counselor or the admissions department at your desired college or university to see how your grades match up to their requirements.

24

Identifyyour'supportnetwork'

Planning for college may seem a little scary (especially if you’re a first-generation college student). But if you get help from the right people, you’ll not only be more likely to get into college, it’s more likely you’ll succeed there. Create a support network of people who can help.

Family members—If	Your school counselor your family supports you,	—We’ve mentioned this you’re a step ahead. If it	person a lot, and that’s seems like they’re not as	because he or she can focused on college as	be very helpful when it you are, start involving	comes to planning your them in discussions	path beyond high school. about what you want	Don’t wait for your
from your future. Share	counselor to contact you. what you’ve learned	Many counselors help about college and career	hundreds of students, opportunities. Encourage	so step up and ask
them to talk to your	questions. Make an teachers, counselor, or	appointment to talk about principal. Ask them to go	college. Ask for advice with you on college visits.	on courses to take and And explain to them that	resources to help you. going to college or a
career doesn’t mean leaving behind your family and community.

25

Identifyyour'supportnetwork' (continued)

Find a mentor—This is	Other students—Yes, a person with knowledge	your friends can be and experience who can	mentors, especially if help you achieve goals.	they are a little further Mentors can come from	along in school or in formal mentorship	college and career
programs (like Junior	planning. Tell them your Achievement) or people	goals and encourage you know from your	each other. Avoid school, neighborhood,	anyone who tries to church, internship	discourage or sidetrack programs, volunteer	you.
organizations, sports teams … anyone who can provide informed support and guidance.

26

Learnhowtolearn

Developing good habits in the classroom now will make a huge difference when you get into college. Now is the time to improve those habits and skills. If you follow these tips, you’ll not only get more out of class, you’ll probably enjoy being there!

Join in on class	Look for ways to sharpen discussions. Don’t sit	your basic skills in every quietly in the back—get	class. Practice writing in engaged in the	social studies. Practice classroom.	algebra during science Ask questions if you	projects. Use science don’t understand	skills during vocational something. As the old	education classes. adage goes: if you didn’t	If you haven’t already, understand it, there’s a	learn keyboarding skills. good chance others	Learn how to take good didn’t either.	class notes. Pay close Keep up with class	attention when learning. assignments. Keep a	Learn to proofread, checklist of when they’re	correct, and rewrite your due—or finish them	written work.
before the due date.	Develop good test-taking Check for phone apps to	skills, like reading the remind you about	whole question before deadlines, assignments,	answering and leaving and exams.	time to double-check Ask for help when you’re	your answers.
falling behind.

27

Whycollege?

We’ve covered that additional education after high school can increase your pay and your job security. There are other good reasons to consider college—including being able to meet new people, have new experiences, and take on new challenges.

If you decide to go the college route, the next step is make a plan to get there.

28

Collegeconsiderations

Two-year vs. four-year: Some students choose to start out at a two-year community or technical college, which are often closer to home and more affordable, and they award two-year associate’s degrees, which is all that’s required in some careers.
Private vs. public: If you choose the four-year
college route, you’ll need	Which type of college you

to decide between a	choose will depend on many publicly or privately	factors:

funded college or university. Private colleges are often smaller, with fewer students, more access to faculty, and better chances of getting into programs and classes. They’re also typically more expensive than public colleges but with a larger student
population.

Your comfort level (class size, distance from home, etc.) What you can afford Which college is the best fit to your program of study

By starting now, you’ll have plenty of time to figure out which one is the best fit for
you.

29

Buildyourcollegeknowledge

There are all kinds of ways to learn more about colleges. First, make contact with colleges you're interested in.

Visit college campuses. Talk to your counselor and parents about visiting campuses you’re interested in, and create a list of questions to ask during those visits, including:

What’s the total cost for	What’s campus life like attending?	(clubs, activities,
recreation, etc.)?

What financial aid is available, and how do I
apply?

Where do first-year

students live?

How successful are your graduates at finding jobs? Ask specifically for a
percentage of student

What activities and services will help me when I first get to
campus?

placement in jobs after

graduation.

How easy is it to meet

with faculty?

How easy is it to get into

classes?

What other services are

available on campus

—health care,

How many students are in	transportation, etc.? each class?

30

Buildyourcollegeknowledge (continued)

Pay attention when	Start bookmarking colleges come to	websites of colleges you, either through	you’re interested in. college fairs at or near	Check back with them your school and when	throughout your junior representatives from	year so you get a feel colleges visit your	for the kinds of school. It’s never too	deadlines you’ll need early to meet with	to keep track of next college reps about	year.
your goals and	Start compiling a list interests—and it’s	of scholarships you never too early to ask	might be able to questions.	access next year. Read about college	Talk to seniors for
and financial aid. The	advice on scholarships more you read, the	they’re earning.
better you’ll understand how things work. Get some reading materials from your counselor, including brochures and catalogs sent to the counseling office, as well as a list of college websites.

31

whattoconsiderwhencomparingcolleges

LOCATION Distance from home

SIZE Enrollment
Physical size of campus

ENVIRONMENT

Two-year or four-year School setting (rural, urban)
Location and size of nearest city

Student population (coed, men only, women only) Religious affiliation

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Tests required
Average test score, GPA, rank Deadline

ACADEMICS

Is your major offered? Special requirements Accreditation Student/faculty ratio Typical class size

32

whattoconsiderwhencomparingcolleges

COLLEGE EXPENSES Tuition, room, and board costs Your estimated total budget Application fees and deposits

FINANCIAL AID OFFERED Required forms
Typical percentage receiving aid Scholarships available
Deadline

HOUSING

Residence hall requirement Food plan

FACILITIES Academic Recreational

ACTIVITIES

Clubs, organizations

Greek life (fraternities, sororities) Athletics, intramurals

CAMPUS VISITS Dates
Special opportunities

33

Payingforcollege

Ah, the big question: how	You can receive financial will I pay for all of this?	assistance from:

College is expensive, even if it can lead you to higher-paying careers after you graduate, you’ll need to figure out if
enough funds are

Your state The federal government
Your chosen college Private scholarships
and assistance

available to pay as you go	There are several kinds of or if you need to take	financial assistance: loans to pay for it later.                   Scholarships—These

But don’t let financial worries get you down. Fortunately, there is a lot of financial help available, and your junior year is a great time to start finding it. There are plenty of need-based (depending on your family’s financial situation) and merit-based (depending on your grades and performance) financial aid options
available.

are usually based on your GPA, test scores, and/or exceptional ability (athletic, artistic, academic) Grants—These are usually based on your financial need Loans—Borrowed money that will need to be repaid eventually Work programs —Employment through
the college

34

Payingforcollege (continued)

Your counselor and a college’s financial aid office can give you more information about applying for financial assistance, and you can research your options online.

Online resources (click each to find out more)

ACT – More	FAFSA – The Free information from ACT	Application for Federal about financial aid and              Student Aid
where to find it.                         FinAid – Features a Federal Student Aid	free scholarship search (from the US	function and Department of	information on loans, Education) – A list of	savings programs, and federally funded	military aid scholarships,	Student Aid fellowships, grants,	Alliance – Contains and internships geared	student success
to high school,	stories, descriptions of undergraduate, and	aid programs, lobbying graduate students	tools, and legislative
updates

35

Watchoutforscams

Unfortunately, some people take advantage of students’ need for financial aid. Watch out for emails, texts, and phone calls with the following claims, which are signals that the service is probably not for real:

“This scholarship is guaranteed, or your
money back.”

			
“You’re a finalist” or “you’ve been selected” for a scholarship for
which you didn’t apply.

“You can’t get this information anywhere else.”

“We do all the

			
“Can I get your credit card, social security, or bank routing number to
hold this scholarship?”

work.”

“The scholarship will cost you some
money.”

36

Question No. 4

'AmIready for college?'

37

'It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you down. It’s the pebble in your shoe.'

- Muhammad Ali

38

The best way to figure out if you’re ready for college courses is to take a college readiness assessment.

We know, we know—testing isn’t much fun. It takes time, it causes stress, and when it comes to college readiness testing, it means you can’t sleep in on a Saturday.

However, most colleges and universities require or recommend that students submit test results as part of the application process. The two leading college readiness assessments are the ACT® and the SAT®.

39

There’s been a lot of news in the education world lately about the SAT (which used to test cognitive ability) becoming more like the ACT, which tests what’s taught in the high school classroom. Many students are comfortable with the ACT because it tests what they’re already learning, and it always has. The ACT is taken by more college-bound students than any other test, and it’s accepted by every four-year college and university in the United States.

The ACT includes tests in four areas —English, math, reading, and science—and is designed to measure your current level of education in these subjects. The ACT also has an optional writing test. The SAT currently measures reading, writing, and math abilities.

Taking the ACT or SAT is an important step in planning your future after high school. There are plenty of ways to prepare (see the end of this book for more tips on how to prepare for the ACT), but since they focus on testing you on what you’ve learned in the classroom, the best way to prepare is to do your best in school.

40

Howcollegereadiness assessmentsareused

When colleges make decisions about admission, they want to know the whole student. They realize you’re more than just a score, and that’s why they ask for so much information when you apply. Nearly all colleges use assessment results because they reflect if you’re ready for first-year college-level courses. But they use your test results in tandem with other factors, such as your GPA and class rank.

Colleges might also use what they learn about you from your assessment for course placement, academic advising, career counseling, and scholarship awards. How well you do on a college readiness assessment will affect all these things, so it’s important to do your best.

41

Whentotake acollegereadinessassessment

Lots of factors affect when you should test, such as whether the college you’re interested in has an application deadline, or a program or scholarship you want to pursue requires a test score.

That’s why waiting until your senior year to test, especially your first time, may be too late. Many students choose to test a second time their senior year in hopes of raising their scores. Testing the first time in the spring of your junior year gives you the time for that option.

42

There are other advantages to testing your junior year:

You’ll have completed most of the coursework that’s reflected on the test You’ll have test scores and information in time to influence your senior year; for example, you’ll have time to take additional courses if your score in a certain subject was low
Colleges will know your interests and scores and will have time to contact you during the summer before your senior year. Many colleges send information about admission, advanced placement, scholarships, and special programs to prospective students during this time
You’ll have information about yourself and the schools you’re interested in before you go on campus visits, which will help you focus during those visits You’ll have a chance to retest if you feel your scores didn’t accurately reflect your ability. ACT research shows that 57% of students who took the test more than once increased their ACT Composite score

43

Howtoprepareforcollegereadiness assessments

Again, many people get nervous when they take tests because a lot is at stake. But don’t worry! Whether you know it or not, you’ve been preparing for these tests since you started high school the exam is designed to measure general academic development.

To keep test anxiety at a minimum, be sure to read up on what the test is about and how best to take it. See the next page for some test-taking tips that will make the experience go a lot smoother, especially the first time.

44

12tipsfortaking acollegereadinessassessment

1

2 3

4 5
6

The day before the test: gather

everything you need (approved

calculator, test ticket,

sharpened pencils, photo ID),

check the registration time and

location, and know how to get

there

Get plenty of sleep the night

before the test

Wear comfortable clothing and

eat a healthy breakfast the day

of the test

As you get started, take a few

deep breaths to calm yourself

Keep a positive attitude—that

can make all the difference

Listen carefully to instructions

and ask questions if you hear

7 8

9

10

11

12

Focus your attention entirely on your work

Position your answer sheet right next to your test booklet so you can mark answers quickly and accurately

Read each question and possible responses completely before answering

If you’re not sure of the answer, choose the one you think is best and move on. Be sure to answer every question—there’s no penalty for guessing

Pace yourself and occasionally check the time

If you finish before time is up, reread the questions and
check your answers

something you don’t

understand

45

Question No. 5

'Howshould Ipreparethe nexttwo years?'

46

'The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.'

- Eleanor Roosevelt

47

Some days, it might seem like school is taking forever to finish. But this year and especially next year,
you’ll probably realize how fast graduation is coming. Are you ready for what comes after graduation?

How you spend your junior and senior years will make all the difference. The trick is to plan out small steps leading to the big leap into college and career.

The next few pages map out a step-by-step path to make sure you have all the future-planning bases covered during your junior and senior years. Let’s start with what you should keep in mind early in your junior year.

48

two-yeartimeline

Junioryear:Septembertojanuary What to do: Think about your reasons for going to college. What are your goals? What learning opportunities are most important to you? Do your college plans include plans for after college?
How to do it: Talk with your college and career mentors (parents, counselors, teachers, friends) and investigate possible career options and the degree levels involved in each.

Junioryear:januarytoMarch What to do: Identify important factors in choosing a college (if that’s your chosen path). Two-year or four-year? Location? Cost? Atmosphere? Variety of study programs available? Entrance fee requirement?
How to do it: Focus on your goals and career interests. Consult college guidebooks and websites. Set up an ACT Profile account and explore college and careers. Prepare and register for a college readiness assessment.

Junioryear:MarchtoJune What to do: List your top colleges and collect
information. Have you included all possible choices? What information do you need? How can you get it? How to do it: Attend college fairs and “college night” programs. Go on college visits. Take your college readiness assessment (at least once).

(next page)

49

two-yeartimeline (continued)

Summerbetweenjuniorandsenioryears What to do: Make your summer count. It can be a real growth and planning opportunity, and it can help focus the planning you’ll need to do your senior year.

How to do it: Pursue a summer job that corresponds with your career interests … and earn and save some money for college. Or, look for volunteer or job-shadowing opportunities so you can see your dream career up close or explore ideas of what you might want to do.

Senioryear:August

What to do: Compare the colleges on your list. Have you weighed pros and cons carefully? Which colleges meet your needs?
How to do it: Continue visiting colleges and college websites. Organize your college choices into a detailed pro/con list. Pay special attention to colleges with the biggest “pros" lists.

Senioryear:SeptembertoDecember What to do: Apply for admission to your top-choice colleges. Do you have all the necessary forms and information about yourself? Double-check the application deadlines, and put them on your calendar. How to do it: Obtain application forms. Observe deadlines. Submit transcripts and test scores (and retest, if necessary, to give you your best score).

(next page)

50

two-yeartimeline (continued)

Senioryear:JanuarytoFebruary What to do: Apply for financial aid. Have you investigated all possible sources of aid? When should you apply?
How to do it: Talk to your counselor or your top colleges’ financial aid offices. Get all the financial aid application forms and watch for deadlines. Complete the FAFSA form as soon as possible.

Senioryear:FebruarytoMay

What to do: Make your final decisions. What additional preparation might be helpful? Should you consider summer school? Do you feel comfortable with your final choice?
How to do it: Talk with your mentors about your final choice and ask them to help you confirm your decision. Decline other admission offers—colleges are holding space for you, and your decline could free up room for other students.

congrats, graduate!

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onelastthing...

This guide was designed to give

you useful advice, tips, and strategies you can use the next two years to prepare you for life after high school.

The most important tip we can give you: be confident in yourself! Having a positive attitude will get you far. If you work hard, that discipline will pay off in college and/or your career!

Your curiosity, hard work, and perseverance will make all the difference.

Best of luck!

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Preparing for Test Day—This FREE booklet contains information about how
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Your scores and what to do with them—Information about viewing,
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scores, including recent enhancements	CLICK HERE

to the score reporting to help you with career planning.

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