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)