1. Junior Year Checklist Post-Secondary Preparation

2. Goals Begin deciding what you want in the future. Decide what type of schooling your goals require. Decide on a timeline for your goals.

3. Sign up for SAT/ACT Sign up to take BOTH tests at least once. Sign up for a preparation course Make sure your scores are sent to colleges

4. Resume Put together a resume of all of your activities during your high school years Include extra-curriculars, jobs, volunteer work, major awards and accomplishments

5. Research Colleges Attend college fairs and guest speakers Research colleges on the web Visit the BRACE office and speak with teachers Visit colleges that you are interested in

6. When shopping for a college… Do they have my intended major? Background and credentials of professors? Size of school? Average class size? Study abroad programs? Online classes? How helpful is career placement center?

7. When shopping for a college… What are the dorms like? Would I prefer a school in a city or rural setting? How much does the school cost? How far away do I want to go from home? Does the school have a Greek life? Are there jobs available in the area?

8. Big School vs. Small School Number of majors Sports programs Variety of extras More housing Distinguished faculty Social opportunities Small class size More opportunity to get to know professors Distinguished faculty Fewer majors Limited housing

9. Discuss money issues Where will you get tuition money? Research financial aid/Bright Futures Apply for scholarships

10. Senior Year Schedule Sign up for challenging classes - honors or Advanced Placement Retain continuity in any elective classes Make sure that all credits are covered

11. Recommendation Letters Get all recommendation letters ASAP Give teachers at least three weeks to generate recommendation letters Fill out the recommendation letter questionnaire (pick up in BRACE)

12. Summer Plans Research and sign up for summer institutes and programs Get a job - save money! Start working on college applications

13. Helpful Websites http://www.bls.gov/oco/ - occupational outlook http://www.bls.gov/oco/ www.ncaaclearinghouse.net - athletic college information www.ncaaclearinghouse.net www.facts.org - college and career information www.facts.org www.collegeboard.com - SAT sign-up www.collegeboard.com www.act.org - ACT sign up www.act.org

14. Helpful Websites www.fafsa.ed.gov - Financial Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov www.educaid.com - Financial Aid www.educaid.com www.fastweb.com - scholarships www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com - scholarships www.scholarships.com www.collegenet.com - scholarships www.collegenet.com www.wiredscholar.com - scholarships www.wiredscholar.com