Seniors, you’re almost there! Take the next steps: Sign up for orientation, housing, and meal plans; respond to requests (roommate preferences, course selection, and more), and figure out financing, if needed.

Paying your way? Here’s how one student did it (PDF). If you need financing, consider federal education loans before private loans. Sign up for work-study early — the best jobs go first — and ask about tuition payment plans to reduce the amount you have to pay at one time.

Preregister for courses. Questions about professors? Check their ratings. Check if your transcript and AP scores arrived. AP courses or dual-credit classes may qualify for college credit (and save you time and money).

Sign up for orientation. Most colleges offer day- or week-long orientation programs. Take advantage of them — these are great opportunities to connect with other students before classes begin. Check out student blogs to get a sense of what to expect.

Contact your roommate. Discuss sharing large items such as a mini-fridge, microwave, or coffeepot. Cut costs and get your eco on by using second-hand items. Start simple with just the essentials — you can add stuff later on.

Think about travel and what to pack. Flying? Book early for the best airfare. Look for sales, plan purchases, and keep furnishings simple (posters!). Buy extra-long sheets to fit dorm-room beds, but forgo unnecessary dorm decor.

Get physical. Fill out health forms and sign up for insurance if needed. (Be sure to send in any insurance waivers to avoid fees.) Make doctor appointments early — you’ll need an exam before you step onto that campus!

Search for deals on books. Find out what coursebooks you’ll need and search for them early (check the edition required). Look for discounted or used copies to save big bucks. Try half.com or amazon.com, or look into renting your books.

Got a summer gig? Save for college expenses next fall. Create a spending plan for the summer so you know where your money goes. Keep credit cards under control (PDF), and check out these money management tips (PDF).

Expect the unexpected. Be prepared for some ups and downs in the year ahead. Keep these college survival tips (PDF) in mind (as you prepare for the adventures to come. And remember, VSAC is ready to help you all the way through college.

Juniors, you're now officially a “rising” senior! With junior year complete, the focus revs up for college or other plans after high school. Get to know VSAC as you decide on a direction for your future, and take this summer to jump-start the application process.

Make summer count. Follow your interests! Volunteer, work, or attend a summer learning program. Who knows? Your experiences might even be worth writing about for your application essay (PDF). Do something that matters to you and meets your goals.

Explore your future. Use VSAC Web tools such as “School Finder” at VT Guidance Central, visit the VSAC Resource Center in downtown Winooski, or get college guidebooks and other resources through VSAC’s interlibrary loan.

Think about your “wish list” criteria (PDF), considering the academic program, location and student life, and financial fit as you look for programs that are right for you. Don't rule out a college because it seems too expensive until you talk with VSAC and the college's financial aid office.

Take a test drive. Unsure about where to go? Visit campuses during summer, coordinating with family travel. Sign up for a campus tour, attend an info session, and get a sense of the campus vibe. The more you can do now, the easier it will be in the fall.

Indicate 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).

Planning to take SAT or ACT exams a last time? Register now to be certain you get the locations and dates you prefer. Use free test-prep tools so that you're ready come fall.

Read and relax. Reading is one of the best preparations for college (and standardized tests). Take a book with you to the hammock, pool, or beach. And be sure to get some down time — the pressures of applying will come soon enough!

Focus the search. Update your college “wish list” (PDF) as you look for colleges that fit your revised criteria. Don’t exclude a college simply because it seems too expensive until you check on financial aid. Aiming for a list of five to eight schools to apply to is reasonable; 20 is not!

Visit colleges, coordinating with any family travel plans. Call ahead to arrange a campus tour, info session, and informal interview (PDF). Can you picture yourself there? For an inside look at what other students have to say, go to www.unigo.com.

Discuss college costs and options. Talk to your parents! What are their plans for paying for college? Wondering about financial aid? Plan to attend a free Paying for College info night this fall at a nearby high school. Explore ideas for reducing college costs (PDF).

Register for the fall SAT or ACT standardized tests if you want to improve your scores. Use test-prep tools to prepare, while you have time to study before senior year begins!

Organize for what's ahead. Use multipocket folders for filing application info and financial aid materials. Create a checklist (PDF) of deadlines, test and transcript submissions, fees, and required forms for colleges on your list.

Compose college essays (PDF). Just get started! Don’t wait until the last minute — this is a critical part of your application. Collect your thoughts while you have some down time. Even a rough draft will give you a head start in September.

Sign up for e-mail reminders from VSAC to stay on track for senior year. Check out College Pathways resources on applying to college, majors and careers, scholarships, financial aid, and more so that you know what to expect in the months to come.