Choosing a college to attend is a major decision, one you should not take lightly. Once the right college is found, getting in may be tough. Below are some things you can do to make your search and acceptance easier.

	August 2009
	Juniors:	Begin your junior year. Use family vacation to visit college campuses that interest you. Check the Internet for college options.
	Seniors:	Begin senior year. Review dates for fall scholarship and test deadlines and make sure you register on time. Check the Web for scholarship options at http://www.finaid.org.
	September 2009
	Juniors:	Check with your high school counselor about the PSAT/NMSQT, which is in October. Make sure your high school curriculum meets college standards.
	Seniors:	Consult your counselor if application fee payment is a problem. Develop a list of questions with your parents to ask college admissions representatives.
	October 2009
	Juniors:	Take the PSAT. Attend area college fairs. Begin collecting information with your parents about various colleges.
	Seniors:	Attend area college fairs. Meet with college representatives when they come to your school — ask any questions you may have. Schedule college campus visits. Check with high school counselor for scholarship applications. Complete and send the applications for admission to colleges you are considering.
	November 2009
	Juniors:	Explore career opportunities — consult with your high school counselor. Attend Futures Fair with your parents.
	Seniors:	Attend Futures Fair. Take your parents to visit college campuses. Check with high school counselor for scholarship applications. Complete and send the applications for admission to colleges you are considering.
	December 2009
	Juniors:	Schedule a conference with your high school counselor to discuss future goals. Talk with your high school alumni who have attended or are attending your top college choices. Check the Web for college information.
	Seniors:	Gather all financial aid information. Complete and send the applications for admission to colleges you are considering. Check scholarship deadlines for colleges of choice. Check with church and employers about possible scholarships.
	January 2010
	Juniors:	Obtain ACT or SAT assessment study guides from counselor or bookstore. Preview three remaining semesters. Register in college prep courses, and clarify goals for college attendance.
	Seniors:	With your parents, attend financial aid information nights at your school. Have family income tax information figured. Send seven-semester transcript to your schools of choice. Begin filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms.
	February 2010
	Juniors:	Utilize college search programs and materials in counselor’s office. Talk to high school instructors who attended colleges you are considering. Check the Web for scholarship options at http://www.finaid.org.
	Seniors:	Alert your counselor if you plan to take AP exam in May. If not yet completed, send in applications and current transcript to colleges of choice. Send in your financial aid application. Beware of financial guarantees from private firms regarding grants and scholarships.
	March 2010
	Juniors:	Contact local colleges or universities regarding taking a summer class as a high school guest. Investigate possible summer experiences.
	Seniors:	Continue to investigate sources of financial aid. Visit the campuses of schools in which you are interested. Priority deadline for Kansas Tuition Grant is March 1. Complete college acceptance process.
	April 2010
	Juniors:	Attend area college fairs that target juniors. Preview your senior year courses. Check to see if college touring groups will be in your area.
	Seniors:	With parents, visit college campuses you are considering. Sign up for early registration day. Check to see if college tour groups will be in your area.
	May 2010
	Juniors:	Check out various scholarship options that summer work or volunteer services could help you obtain.
	Seniors:	Graduate! Notify those schools to which you have applied but will not attend. Take AP/CLEP tests if applicable. Attend early registration day.
	June 2010
	Juniors:	Get a summer job to save money for college. Check to see if college touring groups will be in your area.
	Seniors:	Take summer classes to get a “head start.” Use summer employment as a way to save up cash for college. Request that your high school counselor send your final (eight full semesters) transcript to the college of your choice. Attend early registration day.
	July 2010
	Juniors:	Use family vacation to visit college campuses that interest you. Check to see if college touring groups will be in your area.
	Seniors:	Tie up any “loose ends” such as financial aid, scholarships, admissions, registration, housing, etc. Correspond with assigned college roommate. Check to see if college musical or drama tour groups will be in your area.