Attend Junior Parent College Admissions Night at FHS.

Students take the PSATs here at FHS. The PSAT/NMSQT scores are used as an initial screen of entrants for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Begin to involve your parents with the college selection process.

Start to explore colleges through Naviance, college websites, read college handbooks, and through discussions with friends, family, and teachers regarding their college experiences.

Students receive their PSAT scores and should review answers to determine areas that may need improvement. Students can improve their skills and get personalized practice through Khan Academy.

If you have a documented disability and receive special education services or a 504 accommodation, discuss your testing options with your Counselor and Special Educator. Eligibility for extended time and other accommodations must be pre-approved by College Board and ACT.

Continue to take your academics seriously and do your best heading into second semester.

Plan Senior courses carefully with input from your Teachers and Guidance Counselor. Do they meet graduation requirements? Do they meet college requirements? Continue to challenge yourself with an appropriately rigorous Senior schedule.

Sign up to take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring.

SAT test date offered.

Attend the College Panel Night hosted by the Guidance Department.

ACT test date offered.

Schedule a parent/student conference with the FHS College Advisor.

Continue to research colleges and develop a list of 15-20 that are of interest. Add these on Naviance under “Thinking About” schools.

Begin to visit college campuses. Most are open for in-person tours and open houses. Sign up on the college websites prior to visit.

SAT test date offered.

Attend Post-Graduate Information Session during English classes.

Participate in AP Exams, if applicable.

If interested in ROTC or a military academy, look into special procedures and deadlines now. Begin the process of applying for a four-year ROTC scholarship before senior year.

SAT test date offered.

ACT test date offered.

Ask for two letters of recommendation, one from a Teacher who knows you well and one from your Guidance Counselor. Complete the Student and Parent Brag Sheets, which will help your recommenders write a more complete letter for you (available here or in Guidance office).

Make sure you are on the mailing lists of the schools that interest you.

Stay involved. Find a full-time or part-time job, participate in a camp or summer college program or do some volunteer work.

July: ACT test date offered.

August: SAT test date offered.

The Guidance Department will host a free Summer College Seminar at FHS during August. Be sure to sign up.

Visit colleges and take college tours. Take notes on your visits. At colleges you are serious about, make appointments to have an interview with an admissions counselor, if possible.

Create a Common Application account and begin to fill it out. Review the essay prompts on Common Application and write a first draft over the summer.

Check application deadlines…many colleges/universities have early deadlines or rolling admissions. Know the terms: Early Action, Early Decision, Restricted Early Action, Rolling, and Regular Decision.

Type your resume. You can use the template on Naviance to help you list academic accomplishments, extra-curricular activities and work experiences.

Potential Division I and II college athletes must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

Create a FAFSA account and apply for an FSA ID to start the financial aid process. Both students and parents will need an FSA ID.

NOTE: We encourage students to take both the SAT and the ACT exams at least once in the spring of Junior year to determine which test is a more appropriate match for you and your testing style. Review your scores and then take the test you feel best represents your strengths a second time.