September
Plan family college discussion
Prepare courses with guidance counselor
Prepare list of questions for college reps
Attend PCHS College Information meeting
Sign up for PSAT
Set goals for GPA (grade point average) and class rank
Schedule time to meet with college reps visiting PCHS
October / November
Attend ICC college night
Take PSAT
Learn what components make up cost to attend college
Plan how to pay for college
Review descriptions of different types of schools
Begin to understand basics about Federal and private loans
9 Week Exams - grades very important
December
Talk with college friends home on break
Attend PCHS Financial Aid Night
Final exams - grades are very important
January
Identify characteristics you want in a college
Attend PCHS Financial Aid Night
Attend college fairs
February
Register and study for the SAT and / or ACT (the ACT is given as part of the Prairie State Exam in April and is needed for graduation)
- ICC Dual Credit English test (1:30 pm in the library) - see your counselor for information
March
9 Week Exams
Plan summer campus visits
Narrow your college list to a reasonable number
Contact college admissions and financial aid officers for each college on your list to discuss payment options
Estimate how much various colleges will cost
Begin reviewing and preparing for the ACT exam
April / May
Take the ACT / Prairie State Exam
Get a summer job to save extra money for college
Complete Senior Information Sheet (available from counselor)
Summer
Improve your reading and vocabulary skills
Continue searching for scholarships and ways to pay for college
Combine vacation plans with campus visits
Start working on your college application essays
Talk to people in interesting careers
Decide who you'll ask to write letters of recommendation
Talk with college friends home for summer