High School Juniors

— Continue to prep for the ACT test. Approach it with a good night's sleep and a good dose of confidence. Upcoming tests: February 7 (registration closed); April 9 (register before March 4).

— Stay on top of your current classes and earn the grades you deserve.

— Confirm with your school counselor that your senior-year schedule is on track for graduation and will present sufficient opportunities for challenges and success.

— Schedule campus visits for spring and summer. Plan your visits ahead of time and have a list of questions ready.

— Finalize your summer plans, whether for camp, volunteer work, a part-time job or a combination of these. Be sure to make the most of this summer, because senior year flies by.

— Seriously begin searching for scholarships and applying for them. Write an essay or two to speed up the application process. Create a scholarship-worthy resume that includes leadership and volunteer experience if possible.

— Organize the college materials arriving daily in the mailbox. Make files for those that interest you; recycle what doesn't.

High School Seniors

— If you need it, get help completing the FAFSA. Check out the list of local FAFSA Frenzy events on page XX.

— Ask your guidance office to send first semester transcripts to schools where you applied.

— If you have not yet selected a college, continue to visit colleges to get a first-hand look at college life.

— As soon as possible, decide which college to attend, and notify the school of your decision. The earlier you enroll, the better your chances are of receiving financial assistance.

— Keep track of and observe deadlines for sending in all required fees and paperwork, including financial aid and scholarship deadlines.

— Continue to look for scholarship opportunities.

— Watch the mail for your Student Aid Report (SAR) — it should arrive four weeks after your FAFSA is filed.

— Ask your guidance office to send first semester transcripts to schools where you applied.

— If you have not yet selected a college, continue to visit colleges to get a first-hand look at college life.

— As soon as possible, decide which college to attend, and notify the school of your decision. The earlier you enroll, the better your chances are of receiving financial assistance.

— Keep track of and observe deadlines for sending in all required fees and paperwork, including financial aid and scholarship deadlines.

— Continue to look for scholarship opportunities.

— Watch the mail for your Student Aid Report (SAR) — it should arrive four weeks after your FAFSA is filed.

— Ask your guidance office to send first semester transcripts to schools where you applied.

— If you have not yet selected a college, continue to visit colleges to get a first-hand look at college life.

— As soon as possible, decide which college to attend, and notify the school of your decision. The earlier you enroll, the better your chances are of receiving financial assistance.

— Keep track of and observe deadlines for sending in all required fees and paperwork, including financial aid and scholarship deadlines.

— Continue to look for scholarship opportunities.

— Watch the mail for your Student Aid Report (SAR) — it should arrive four weeks after your FAFSA is filed.