Get your act together

September 1, 2000
Web posted at: 2:03 PM EDT (1803 GMT)

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OK, so your bedroom floor is buried under 6 feet of laundry and your desk is littered with last year's homework assignments. But that doesn't mean you can't get organized. This checklist will help you blaze a trail through the college-planning process. Print it out or download it to your desktop for handy reference.

In your sophomore year of high school, you'll begin to hear rumblings about the PSAT/NMSQTs. Take them as many times as possible during your sophomore and junior years to practice for the SATs, the tests that colleges use to evaluate you. Moreover, PSATS/NMSQTs taken in your junior year are used to award National Merit Scholarships, as well as prestigious scholarships and recognition programs. These are chances for more money, so prepare for these tests and take them seriously.

There are a number of resources to help you prepare for the SATs. Your local libraries and bookstores have publications that will help you practice. Many high schools offer classes to help improve your test-taking skills. And you can check out sample questions online at www.collegeboard.org.

Test date Registration completed? Results

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College fairs are a great way to check out many options at once. Talk to college reps about admissions requirements and chat with alumni about activities, sports and social life. Most guidance counselors have information about upcoming fairs in your area.

Fair date Hot colleges

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Welcome to the wonderful world of mailing lists. After you attend a college fair or two, you'll notice your mailbox will start to bulge with all the college materials you'll receive. You'll need some way to organize the piles of stuff. For some, organization can be as simple as a big shoe box. Others may prefer a two-drawer file cabinet with color-coded sections. Whatever works. The main idea is to build a system that's easy to use and that you are comfortable with.

Time to hit the road and interview. Once you narrow your choices down to five or six, check them out firsthand. Corner your parents and plan your road trip. Put together a list of questions to ask the campus reps. Make a wish list and keep track of what each college offers.

Forms. Yuck. But the reality is, the forms are your key to the future. Take your time and complete each one carefully. For tips in completing your college applications, visit www.collegeboard.org.

College Application completed? Application mailed?

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