Calendar Reminders

Freshmen - 9th Grade:
Plan a rigorous curriculum, and don't skimp on math. Here is an example of a typical course of study. Adjust it to meet your needs.

Sophomores - 10th Grade:
Take the PSAT "for fun" in October. Take a sample SAT and ACT test, and see which one you prefer. Learn how to write a 25-minute essay.

Juniors - 11th Grade:
Take the PSAT "for real" in October. You will be asked to list your favorite college. Go to college fairs, and decide on a long list of colleges you want to visit.

Seniors - 12th Grade:
Start college applications! They take a LONG time and a lot of effort, and sometimes scholarship money is "first come, first served." Take the ACT or SAT if you haven't yet, or if you can significantly raise your score by taking it again.

Homeschool Parents:
During the PSAT, students will be asked about their classes and grades, so you may want to explain that to them. It also asks about college majors and career interests. Colleges use that to contact students they want to attract.

September Reminders

9th Grade:
Plan a rigorous curriculum! See the ACT College Preparation Plan.

10th Grade:
Consider taking the PSAT "for fun." Register for the PSAT here.

11th Grade:
Go to a college fair. Register by Sept. 15 to take the PSAT "for real" Register for the PSAT.

12th Grade:
Start college applications, and take the ACT or SAT. Register for the ACT or SAT for the first or second time.

Parents: Plan your record keeping strategies for the year, and visit a College Fair.

Important Dates!

Seniors - Apply for College and Register for Tests
It takes a long time to complete a college application. Start now, and send it in as soon as they start accepting applications. Financial decisions may be made "first come first served" and applying early may help you get the best financial aid package. Register for ACT test by August 10th if you want to take the test on September 15th. Register for the SAT online before September 10th if you want your student to take the SAT or SAT II subject tests on October 6. This time of year, it's usually the seniors who take the SAT, while younger students concentrate on the PSAT instead.

Juniors - Register now for the PSAT exam
The PSAT will be given on Wednesday October 17 or Saturday October 20th this year. You have to register at a local high school, public or private. Contact them as soon as possible to register - at least by the first week of school. Warning: Students must take the PSAT/NMSQT in eleventh grade to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship! There is only one opportunity to take this test each year, so register now for the October test!

Sophomores - Consider taking the PSAT
You may want to take the PSAT for practice, along with high school juniors. It won't count for the National Merit Scholarship Competition yet, but it is good practice for next year, and at $13, it's a cheap way to get a standardized test if required by your state. About half of the students who take the PSAT are actually sophomores.

Freshmen - Choose challenging courses!

Choose challenging courses this fall, so that you have maximum flexibility when it's time to choose a college. Don't skimp on the math and writing!