• Explore careers
• 8th-grade students: Plan for college now (Make High School Count Program)
• Take the right classes in high school
• High school students: Prepare for life after graduation (Guide to Life after High School program)
• Juniors: Review college planning tips
• Seniors: Follow the college planning calendar
• Do what it takes to be successful in college

• Guide to Life after High School: Freshman Year
• Guide to Life after High School: Sophomore Year
• Guide to Life after High School: Junior Year
• Guide to Life after High School: Senior Year

• Attend college fairs.
• Visit your top university choice.
• Complete admissions applications by their deadlines.
• If necessary, retake the SAT and English proficiency tests (TOEFL or IELTS).
• Work on your admissions essays.
• Complete applications for every scholarship for which you may be eligible.
• Request financial aid forms and applications. Double check the deadlines for submission.
• Meet with your college advisor to develop a college admission plan.
• Make a folder for each of your college choices.
• Request letters of recommendation and follow up to ensure your teachers and college advisor send letters of recommendation.
• Finalize portfolios, writing samples, or other evidence of talent if required for admission.

• Work hard at completing your college essays. Proofread them rigorously for mistakes.  Check out the following links: Three Steps to a Great College Essay and Essay Writing Tips.
• Follow up to ensure that letters of recommendation are sent on time to meet your deadlines.
• Send college applications as early as possible.
• Make sure your SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and/or English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS) scores are sent to each of your colleges.
• Have your counselor send your first-trimester grades to colleges. Contact your colleges and confirm that all necessary application materials have been received.
• Continue to perform well in school and don't get senioritis; colleges want to see strong final grades.  Check out What to Do About Senioritis.
• Read carefully any admission decisions that arrive; some may require action on your part.
• Make a final decision, and mail the enrollment form and deposit check to the college you select before the enrollment deadline.
• Notify each of the colleges that accepted you but that you will not attend of your decision, so that your spot can be freed up for another student.
• If you’re on a waiting list, contact the admission office and let them know of your continued interest in the college; update them on your spring semester grades and activities. Check out these links:  No Acceptance Letters: Now What? and What to Do if You're Wait-Listed.
• If you take any AP Exams, make sure your AP score report is sent to your college.
• Study hard for final exams. Most admission offers are dependent on your final grades. 

• Critical reading
• Mathematics
• Writing

• Sample questions
• Answer explanations
• Official SAT practice test
• Personalized score report

Test Date                          Early Registration            Regular Registration

May 5, 2012                        March 27, 2012                   April 6, 2012

June 2, 2012                       April 24, 2012                     May 8, 2012

On the test day, it is important to be organized and well rested.

• Organize ID, Admission Ticket, pencils, calculators, and other supplies
• Get a good night's sleep
• Eat breakfast
• Double-check for everything you need before leaving home
• Arrive early—by 7:45 a.m.—at the test center