Be money smart! Think about getting a part-time job during the holiday rush to save for college. Take a “reality check” quiz to find out if your choices will support your future goals, and discover why saving now matters (PDF).

Review PSAT scores with your school counselor to prepare for the SAT and the ACT. Most juniors take these two different standardized tests (PDF) in spring of junior year and again in the fall of senior year. Register by December 15 for the SAT on January 23.

There’s still time to go to a free Paying for College presentation, held at VT high schools through mid-December. If you miss the dates, you can view the online presentation. Check with VSAC if you have financial aid questions.

Keep your mind on mid-year grades! This is the last full year of academics that will be on your transcript for college admissions offices to consider. Show what you can do in the future by doing it now.

Mark your calendar for College Pathways! The day-long college-planning event for high school juniors (& parents!) is free, including lunch. Pick a day: March 13 at Saint Michael’s College; March 27 at Castleton State College; and April 10 at Lyndon State College.

Research colleges during December break, using VT Guidance Central’s School Finder. Discuss options with friends or siblings who are home for the holidays. Be savvy in your search as you look ahead (PDFs).

Get on schedule using VSAC’s new calendar of events. Plan for registration and test dates for the SAT and ACT plus VT college open house dates.

Set up multipocket folders for applications and financial aid info. That blizzard of paperwork will continue to arrive through this year and next! Sign up for e-mail reminders to help with college planning.

Begin the new year by exploring who you are and your goals for the future. What you like to do today says a lot about what you might like to do later on. Follow your passions (PDF) to figure out your next steps!

Mark the date for College Pathways, free day-long college-planning events for high school juniors (& their parents!): Saint Michael’s College on March 13; Castleton State College, March 27; and Lyndon State College, April 10. Registration opens 2/1/10.

Sign up for standardized tests (PDF). Check with your school counselor about whether to take the SAT or the ACT (or try both and see which test is the better choice for you). January 5 is the registration deadline for the February 6 ACT. Prep with VSAC’s online resources.

Curious about financial aid? View the online Paying for College presentation. If convenient, attend the free workshop, "Understanding the Financial Aid Process," on January 9 at the VSAC Resource Center in Winooski. Explore other ideas for reducing college costs (PDF).

Consider SAT subject tests, which assess knowledge of specific topics. Some selective colleges require these exams. If you are currently in courses that apply, sign up to take the tests this spring, while the material is fresh in your mind.

Talk with others about colleges and careers. What advice do teachers, family friends, or relatives have to help you on your college search (PDF)? Ask seniors why they selected certain colleges to apply to on their final list. Consider all options.

Attend open houses and visit days at nearby colleges and universities to observe different campus settings. Check with your school counselor or on college Web sites for times when reps will be visiting your area.

Start planning for summer. Yes, in January! Will you get a job (PDF), take a course, or volunteer? Do something you haven’t tried before? Take advantage of summer opportunities. Applications for some programs may be due soon.

Register for College Pathways! These day-long events for high school juniors and their parents are held at Saint Michael’s College on March 13; Castleton State College, March 27; and Lyndon State College, April 10. Registration opens 2/1/10, and workshops fill up quickly!

Sign up for standardized tests (PDF). Check with your school counselor about whether to take the SAT or the ACT, and register now. By taking the tests this spring, you’ll have time for a do-over next fall. Prepare ahead with free online tools.

Continue your college search. Make a list of what’s most important on your college “wish list,” then shop around for schools that match those needs. Consider the academic program, location, and student life, as well as tuition and costs.

Visit colleges over winter break or attend an open house to determine if a college is the right “fit” (PDF). You’ll be more relaxed now than in the fall, and you’ll see what the campus is like in winter!

Explore careers and college majors (PDF). Check out career trends and job misconceptions (PDF). What can you imagine yourself doing? Start where you are to go where you want!

2+2=$$$$! Investigate “two plus two” (PDF): By taking classes at a two-year community college and then transferring your credits to a four-year college as a junior, you can cut costs as you earn your bachelor’s degree. It’s something to think about.

Plan ahead for the summer. Think about getting a job (PDF), taking a course, or volunteering. Applications for some programs may be due this month.

Congratulations — you’re halfway through junior year! What were your successes so far? Challenges? Get help from teachers to keep your grades at their best! Sign up for e-mail reminders from VSAC to stay on track.