Stay on track for senior year. The VSAC high school planning calendar will help keep you on schedule for college open houses, visit days, test dates, and more.

Meet with your school counselor to review your transcript and discuss career options and future plans. Explore college before you graduate by taking a college course for "dual credit" this year. Check it out!

Mark your calendar to attend a free Paying for College presentation this fall at a nearby high school. Talk about college costs and financing with your parents. Confused? Ask these questions (PDF) and go to VSAC for more information.

Looking to improve test scores? Retake standardized tests this fall. Register for the October SAT or SAT subject tests, and the ACT. Prepare ahead online or at the VRC workshop "Preparing for the SAT and ACT" on 9/29/10.

Attend open houses and college fairs. Ask questions to get info to help you narrow your list. Go on college Web sites and consult blogs (PDF) at www.unigo.com for different views of what other students have to say.

Line up recommendations (PDF) with teachers who know your work. Create a resume of accomplishments and clubs, sports, and community service involvement for reference. Think about what sets you apart from the crowd.

Write college essays (PDF). This is a time to present the real “you.” Brainstorm using sample essay questions (PDF) and essay writing tips (PDF).

Check your profile. Do your social network sites (Facebook!) represent a view you want to share with everyone? College admissions staff (and scholarship donors) visit the Web to find a more complete picture of applicants. Show your best side.

Attend a free Paying for College presentation at a nearby high school between early October and mid-December. Can’t make a date? View the online presentation. Estimate financial aid with the FAFSA4caster.

Applying for early admission? Check the forms needed (such as the Common App) and review each college’s financial aid policy. You may be required to apply using estimated figures. The CSS Profile, if needed, is available October 1.

Finish up college essays (PDF). Focus on your experiences. Showcase what makes you different, what motivates you. Ask a school counselor or teacher to review your final draft, and proofread carefully.

Get on campus. Visit colleges and universities during the long weekend of October 21-24. Schedule an admissions interview (PDF) and ask financial aid questions (PDF). Stay in a dorm if possible, attend a class, and talk to as many students as you can to get the campus vibe.

Last call for the SAT! Register in October for the November and December tests. Prepare ahead. Remember to send your best scores to colleges.

Wrap up recommendation requests (PDF). Make sure teachers and counselors are aware of your colleges’ deadlines for transcripts and other materials. You may need to submit your application by November 1 for early action or early decision.

Evaluate your list. You’ll be more likely to get merit-based grants and scholarships at institutions that seek you. Increase affordability (PDF) by applying to lesser-known schools where you’ll be the big fish, and consider a “two plus two” plan.

Meet deadlines for early admission or college scholarships. Keep these tips for applying (PDF) in mind and polish your application essays (PDF). Don’t forget to proofread! Ask your counselor to review the final draft.

Apply for scholarships early. Pick up the VSAC scholarship booklet, detailing more than 150 scholarships for Vermonters, from your high school (or e-mail publications@vsac.org).

Register for the December ACT test if needed. Prepare ahead, and check that colleges receive your best scores.

Estimate financial aid with the FAFSA4caster and learn how financial aid works. Obtain federal personal identification numbers (PINs), for student and one parent, needed to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.

Show that you're interested. Set up interviews (PDF) in person or by phone with admissions reps (if available). Be yourself, and have an answer for “why do you want to go here?” Find out what colleges look for (PDF).

Visit campuses when possible. Go on a campus tour, attend an info session, eat a meal, attend a class, and talk to other students. There's nothing like being there to help you get a sense of campus life.

Keep on truckin'! Maintain your grades. Colleges want to see how you handle challenging senior-year coursework. You may even want to consider signing up for a college course for the spring semester and get dual credit. Learn more.