Attend a free College Pathways conference at Saint Michael’s College on March 13 or Castleton State College on March 27. Or register for Lyndon State College on April 10.

SAT test date: March 13. Prepare ahead using free online tools. If you haven’t yet signed up for the SAT, now’s the time. The May 1 test registration deadline is March 25.

Enrolled in an advanced placement course? Check to be sure you are registered for the AP exams in May. If your score is high enough, you may get college credit.

Go to open houses at colleges near you. For a listing of VT colleges, click here.

Explore your dreams! You are more than your test scores. Colleges want to know what makes you tick, what inspires you. Focus on your interests to find out.

Think summer. Plan now to take advantage of opportunities for for high school students. Applications for some programs may be due.

ACT test date: April 10. Prepare ahead using free online test-prep tools. Register by April 29 for the June 5 SAT or SAT subject tests.

Attend College Pathways at Lyndon State College on April 10. Get a hands-on campus experience, inside info on the application process and financial aid, plus a free lunch!

Check out college fairs in your area, held during the first full week of April.

Explore your options online to find a college that’s right for you. Consider these questions and points as you compare college programs and costs (PDF).

Visit colleges over spring break and attend open houses. Click here for a listing of VT colleges.

Firm up summer plans. Will you get a job? Attend a summer learning program? Now’s the time to get those goals in gear.

Check out College Pathways resources on applying to college, dual enrollment, majors and careers, scholarships, financial aid, standardized tests, and more. For starters, view the Top Myths About College (PDF).

Register by May 7 for the June 12 ACT. Use test-prep tools to prepare.

Finishing up advanced placement courses? Take the AP exams in early May; review what to bring on exam day.

Line up letters of recommendation. Junior-year teachers will know your work well. Plan ahead — some teachers may limit the number of recommendations they'll write. Use a recommendation request (PDF) or school form.

Firm up summer plans. Attending a summer learning program? Volunteering? Summer is a good time to practice real-world skills, including money management. Create a resume that showcases your skills if needed.

Attend open houses at colleges and universities to get a feel for different campus settings. Click here for a listing of VT colleges. Check with your school counselor or on college Web sites for additional open house dates.

Make a college “wish list” (PDF) and compare colleges (PDF). Consider the academic program, location and student life, and financial fit as you look for colleges that are right for you.

Stay focused. Your future college wants to see a strong finish to junior year. Your grades are one of the most visible indications of your academic ability. Make them count — all the way through final exams!