Planning Calendar

Planning is a key factor to success after high school. Use this calendar as a guide.

August - September

• Become involved in your community. Don't wait until the last minute to accrue volunteer hours. Turn in your volunteer hours to your counselor at your school of record. (9-12)
• Apply for PSAT (especially if enrolled in Geometry or higher and honors level courses.) This is good practice for the SAT. The cost is approx. $10.00. (9-11)
• Meet with your counselor to determine if you are on the right track for graduation. (9-12)

October

• Attend college fairs in your area. College, Vo-tech and Military reps will be there! (9-12)
• Florida students: RE-take the FSA/EOC as needed for public school graduation if you failed test during 10th grade. (11-12)
• Take the PSAT (must take during junior year to qualify for National Merit Scholarship). (9-11)
• Check "early-decision" application deadlines! Universities set these dates. Check with your counselor to see if you should apply early. (12)
• Review your report cards. Make adjustments in study habits. Reward yourself for good grades. (9-12)
• Register with NCAA if you are planning on playing sports in college. (12)
• Become involved in extracurricular activities (clubs/sports/community service). (9-12)
• Florida Seniors will apply for Florida Student Financial Aid online. This is the application for Bright Futures Scholarship as well. (12)
• Gather information on scholarships, loans, grants, application deadlines, and tax laws. FAFSA applications are available October 1st. Send your application in ASAP. Money is first come/first serve. (12)

November

• Continue your search for colleges. Use the web/interest inventories to find schools that meet your needs and criteria. (9-11)
• Concentrate on grades. You still have time to pull your grades up for the semester! Consult with your teacher on options to improve your grade point average. (9-12)
• Fill out college applications. Gather letters of recommendation, check your essays for grammar, interest, and neatness and request transcripts from the Registrar. (12)
• Attendance is important! (9-12)
• Talk with military recruiters. (10-12)
• Take SAT/ACT this month. Make sure you put your school's CEEB code on registration form. (10-12)

December

• Assess 1st semester grades. Sign up for night school/adult ed, if necessary. (9-12)
• PSAT results are returned this month. Use your scores to help prepare you for the SAT/ACT. (9-11)
• Create a file to help manage your college searches, testing, application and scholarship information. Begin compiling tax information for Financial Aid Applications. (9-12)
• Colleges notify early decision students of acceptance. (12)

January

• Start preparing for the spring SAT/ACT. Free study guides are available online, at the library, and from your counselor. (10-12)

February

• Plan to take the ASVAB if you are going into the military after high school. (11)
• Be aware of scholarship requirements. Don't let deadlines sneak up on you. (11-12)
• Do a financial aid calculator online to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for college tuition.http://www.finaid.org (11-12)

March

• Florida students take FSA/EOC as needed for public school graduation (10) (11-12—retakes)
• Registration deadlines for May SAT/ACT. (10-12)
• Update top college choices and search for majors/programs using various websites. (11)

April

• End the year on a good note. Think about summer employment, community service, and visiting post-secondary institutions.(10-12)
• Notification of possible failures. Sign up for adult ed/night school if necessary. (9-12)

May

• Request final transcripts. (12)
• Stay involved. Attend a summer program, visit colleges, get a job to help pay for post-secondary education, volunteer, or do an internship. (9-12)
• Create a resume for summer employment. (9-12)
• AP examinations. (10-12)