AUGUST - OCTOBER

—— Stay on track for graduation next year. Assess your extracurricular activities plan to make sure you are doing everything you can to build an appealing resume that is relevant to who you are.

—— If you plan to participate in Division I or II sports in college, now is the time to begin your certification process.

—— Start researching colleges. Determine what's important to you (location? cost? campus size? faculty? sports?), and evaluate each school accordingly. Look closely at each school's admission requirements and assess your resume in light of these.

—— Attend college fairs in your area and your school's college events. Get to know the college representatives who attend them; they can become allies in the admissions process.

—— Talk tuition price tags with your family and counselor. Learn all you can about appropriate scholarships, grants and other forms of financial aid. Attend financial-aid programs sponsored by your high school and/or by neighboring schools.

—— Plan to take the ACT test on Sept. 11. Register before Aug. 6 to avoid paying a late fee.