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 Applying to college entails keeping track of many important dates and deadlines. These deadlines are associated with college applications, SAT and ACT prep, scholarship applications, and the FAFSA.

 When you start college planning, use a calendar or planner to help you stay on top of every deadline.

 If you need help, visit your high school's college planning center or make an appointment to speak with your guidance counselor. Your counselor can walk you through key deadlines and offer valuable advice about what you can start doing now to prepare for college application season.

 College may seem like a lifetime away on your first day of high school. However, it's important to start your college planning early — ideally in ninth grade. Doing this gives you the chance to consider the advice of college planning experts and set long-term goals, all while earning good grades and staying involved with extracurriculars.

 Many students get help from their parents or guardians during the college planning process. Your parents or guardians can help hold you accountable to your academic and extracurricular obligations. They may even help you open a college savings account.

 Just as importantly, your parents or guardians can provide you with valuable encouragement and advice.

 Below is a college planning checklist high school students can use to keep track of key milestones and goals. You can also download the checklist here.

 Students entering high school often find themselves inundated with opportunities to learn about higher ed. Even though college typically remains a full four years away, ninth grade is a crucial year for college prep, as it's when grades begin counting toward your cumulative high school GPA.

 minus icon Choose Courses Carefully

 Ninth graders should primarily focus on choosing classes to fulfill college prerequisites. Most colleges and universities maintain the same set of general requirements:

 Students who begin fulfilling college course requirements in ninth grade may be able to enjoy a more relaxed schedule their junior and senior years, allowing them to pursue other college prep programs and activities in their spare time.

 As you review your high school's course offerings, consider challenging yourself in one or more subjects you enjoy by taking honors classes (if available at your school).

 Spend time looking into relevant career paths that align with your interests and/or the subjects in which you excel. You may want to keep a list of career opportunities that appeal to you the most.

 Sophomores may want to start setting up meetings with their high school guidance counselor to discuss college planning. These professionals can explain schools' requirements and help students identify schools that most closely match their academic and career interests. Counselors can also provide valuable information on topics like financial aid, college applications, and entrance exams.

 Tenth graders can benefit from exposing themselves early on to the types of standardized tests they'll most likely need to take to get into college. Instead of jumping straight into the SAT or ACT, however, many students prefer to take practice versions of these exams, such as the PSAT, the PSAT 10, and the PreACT.

 You can use your performance on your chosen practice test to help you identify areas for improvement and begin preparing for the actual SAT or ACT as a junior.

 If the extracurriculars you chose the previous year no longer match your interests, feel free to switch activities. That said, you should try to commit to any new activities for the remainder of high school. Colleges like to see passion, consistency, and dedication.

 Most colleges look for extracurriculars that demonstrate leadership, community service, and/or exceptional ability. While sports remain a popular activity, students may explore other options, such as debate and student government. High schoolers should also consider engaging in service opportunities to give back to their communities.

 Your high school or another organization in your local community likely hosts one or more college fairs throughout the year. Attend a fair to network with representatives and learn more about colleges in your state and beyond.

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 Held in October each year, the PSAT helps you prepare for the SAT (or ACT). Doing exceptionally well on this exam can qualify you for a National Merit Scholarship as well.

 Juniors should take the ACT or SAT in the fall or spring (or both, if desired). Create a study plan at least a few months before your test date to help you earn a high SAT or ACT score.

 You might also consider using free SAT or ACT resources, buying SAT or ACT prep books, or signing up for online SAT or ACT prep classes.

 AP classes and tests give you the chance to earn college credit and impress college admissions officers. Talk to a teacher or advisor and consider taking 1-3 AP classes in your best subjects.

 Alternatively, you may take IB classes if your school offers them. Earning an IB diploma can reflect positively on you during college admissions, and high scores on IB exams can similarly earn you college credit.

 minus icon Research Schools and Financial Aid Options

 Juniors should start putting together a tentative list of colleges. You can further prepare for the future by researching student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities.

 Juniors should start putting together a tentative list of colleges. You can further prepare for the future by researching student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities.

 As you research colleges, compile a "top schools" list of institutions that interest you the most. Aim for 5-10 schools. Feel free to modify this list as your interests and goals evolve.

 Senior year of high school is a pivotal time in teenagers' lives. For college-bound students, 12th grade is particularly busy.

 minus icon Retake the SAT/ACT If Needed

 Many students improve their SAT/ACT scores on a second go-around. Make time to study for your chosen exam, taking care to focus on your biggest weaknesses and content gaps.

 A college tour can help you decide whether to apply. Also, keep track of all your application deadlines and application materials with a planner.

 Some of the most common college application materials are as follows:

 General application form with your personal and contact information

 To see whether you qualify for federal aid and certain institutional scholarships, file the FAFSA. Since aid is available on a first-come, first-served basis, you'll want to submit your FAFSA on or as soon as possible after October 1 when it opens.

 It's also a good idea to apply for private scholarships at this time. You can search for scholarships online, narrowing your options by factors such as demographic, major, and location.