Double check that you are taking the courses that will meet the admissions requirements of the post-high school institution that you are planning to attend.

Take the SAT or ACT again if you need a higher score to meet admission requirements, to be eligible for certain scholarships, or if you didn't take it your junior year.

Apply to the colleges you are considering EARLY. Generally, during December, January or February you may apply under regular admission.

Watch for important scholarship and financial aid information and visit Mr. Scripter for scholarship opportunities and applications. Be aware of deadlines and plan accordingly.

Begin to do community service in your area. Community service is a large factor when deciding scholarship winners. 

Think about what you want to say in your college essay/personal statement.

Ask teachers to write letters of recommendation for you if they are required for admission or scholarships. Provide them a copy of your résumé, a dependable strength report, and/or any other information you can about yourself and the purpose of the letters. Show your letter writers some respect by making your request at least two weeks before you need the letter

Work with your parents to collect financial aid information and attend financial aid workshops together.

Apply for financial aid online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The most commonly used form in Idaho to seek federal financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Visit www.pin.ed.gov for a pin number in November/December to file online with in January. You may also need to fill out a separate form for institutional or state aid.

Attend the financial aid workshop in Genesee in January/February.

Keep working on scholarship and financial aid applications. Remember to respond immediately to any requests for more information or for additional documents in your financial aid application.

Who's home from college for the holidays? Visit with them about their college experience.

Read all of your mail!! There may be important news.

You should be hearing from colleges now. After you receive letters of acceptance and financial aid awards, decide which school or other institutions you'll attend.

Mail in your acceptance form and deposit check as soon as possible. Pay attention to all deadlines and make sure that your applications are sent in on time. Ask about campus housing deadlines, specifically, because student housing fills up quickly.

Review the financial aid package of the school of your choice with your parents. Be sure you understand each type of aid offered. Schedule an appointment with a school's financial aid counselor if you have questions. Don't forget to sign the financial aid award letter and return it by the deadline.

Notify the financial aid office of the scholarships that you are receiving.

Decline offers received from other institutions or organizations in writing.

Complete any separate applications for loans you decided to accept.

Participate in orientation programs for the incoming freshmen offered by the school of your choice.

Start investigating post-high school education opportunities and research the different types of schools and training opportunities available.

Choose a specific career that you'd like to pursue and visit with Mr. Scripter regarding schools that will fulfill your educational and career goals.

Review your recent and current class schedules with Mr. Scripter to verify that you have taken, or are taking, those classes that will help you succeed in college and in your career.

Attend career and college fairs and presentations.

List the schools you are considering and send for literature. Request their admissions and financial aid information, also. Find out if the school requires ACT or SAT. Also ask how many applications they require, such as for admission, financial aid, and scholarships.

Begin to do community service in your area. Community service is a large factor when deciding scholarship winners. 

Maintain good records during this entire process. Make copies of everything you send.

Read all college materials you receive carefully. Decided what you want from an institution: major, location, athletics, reputation, etc. Then, compare the requirements for admission and financial aid.

Take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) to prepare for college admissions tests and to establish eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship.

Acquire a study guide for the ACT/SAT and start to prepare for the test.

Take the SAT and/or ACT (depending on what is required by the institutions you're interested in attending). Mr. Scripter can provide you with the test dates and descriptive brochures.

Start to narrow your list of post-high school options. Make plans to visit the facilities that are most appealing to you.

Research scholarship opportunities and and visit at least two types of colleges; i.e., large/small, community college/university, academic/technical.

Contact organizations sponsoring scholarships that you're eligible for and request information.

Develop a résumé of high school activities and awards, if you haven't already done so, and update as needed.

Find a summer job to set aside money for school.

Start submitting applications to schools of your choice. Some colleges will accept applications once your junior year is completed. Keep copies of everything you send.