U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

The following article explains in detail the process and timeline associated with preparing to take the SAT and ACT tests, and how to put yourself in a position to succeed!

Junior Year

September
Get serious about schoolwork if you haven't already; junior-year grades are very important. Begin gathering information. Talk with your parents about what limitations they plan to set on where you'll attend college. Knowing now how much they will contribute or whether they want you near home may affect where you apply. Start researching scholarships. If you think you might qualify for an athletic scholarship, contact coaches at colleges you are considering.

October
Take the PSAT to practice for the SAT I and to qualify for National Merit Scholarships.

December
Review your test results with your counselor. Decide if you'd benefit from SAT I prep work.

January and February
Check with your schools to see if they prefer--or require--the ACT, the SAT I, or neither. Most colleges accept either test; some counselors recommend taking both, since many students do better on one than on the other.

March
Identify characteristics of a college that matter to you, such as size, academics, or location. Make a list of schools to visit. It's best to plan to be on campus while schools are in session so that you can go to classes and talk to students and professors.

April
Register for June SAT or ACT.

May
Take Advanced Placement tests if you are eligible; prepare to take June SAT or ACT tests if you plan to apply early.

Summer
Send for applications; ponder essay topics; consider whom you'll ask for recommendations. Counselors advise entering senior year with three or four schools in mind that are apt to accept you, plus one or two possibles." If you haven't already been to campus, visiting schools now or in the early fall will help you create a list. Talk frankly with your parents about how you will finance your college costs.

Senior Year

September
Check your course list again. Are you missing credits required by schools you're applying to? Plan to work really hard this term: Your grades count. Finish collecting all application materials. Continue researching scholarships. Begin assembling documents for aid applications. Give out recommendation forms and stamped envelopes addressed to admissions offices. As you schedule visits, you may want to contact faculty and students in the department that interests you. Register for the fall ACT and/or SAT I and SAT II.

October
Request that your transcripts be sent to colleges. Mail early-action or early-decision applications.

November
Start writing essays. If you applied early, tell the college about any more recent honors; have your latest transcript sent.

December
Mail applications, or turn them in at school. If you are accepted early, withdraw your applications from other schools. Start working with your parents on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.

January
File all federal financial-aid forms, and apply for state aid. Ask your school to send colleges your midyear grade reports. Verify that all your application materials have been sent out.

February
Check to make sure schools have everything they require.

March
Decision letters begin arriving. Don't give in to senioritis." Your admission is contingent upon your final grades.

April
Evaluate financial-aid offers. Choose a school by May 1; tell other colleges you applied to.

June and summer
Have your final transcript sent to the college you will attend. Know when tuition and room and board payments are due. Tell the financial-aid office if there are any changes that make you eligible for additional aid. This article is available at www.usnews.com. (U.S. News & World Report)