college prep
 Begin thinking about whatyou want in acollege.
Consider location, majors, size and athletic programs.yearThings to do before
 Focus on earning high grades, and get involved in
leadership and service activities, which will make you
amore attractive candidate for colleges. Keep alist ofjunior
whatyou’re involved in.
 Attend campus tours and events at schools thatmeetthe school bell rings Before
your criteria.
Custom Publications
Spring semesterForsome families,college planning begins during pregnancy,
when parents open investment accounts designated to cover  Send for informat ion from the colleges and universities
thatinterest you. Foraddresses and mailing information,college expenses. But for most, planning begins when children
check your high school or local public library. Theenter high school and gain abetter understanding of their year
Internet also is agreatplace to find backgroundaptitudes and interests.
information about schools; most colleges and universitiesNo matter when you start, preparing for college involves
have their ownWeb sites.Juniormuch more than simply filling out afew forms. Formost
 Take the SATorACT.Good scores will put you one stepprospective college students, it’sanongoing process.
ahead in the application process. If not, consider it atrialAs you’re getting yourself or your child ready for college, take
run and take the test again in the fall.alook at key events along the way.Keeping track of
important dates can help you make sure you don’t
miss vital deadlines. Fall semester
 Youshould have enough information to narrowyour
college choices. Forthe ones you keep on your list, noteSummer vacation
each school’sapplication deadlines on your calendar. Review information from prospective
 If you haven’t taken the SATorACT,arrange to do so.Yourschools. Highlight the admission
high school counselors will have all the necessarydatesguidelines and important dates.
and locations. Trytovisit as manyofyour
 Attend college nights and fairs at your high school orpreferred colleges and universities
other sites in the area.Talk to representatives from youras possible.There’snobetter
prospective colleges and universities.way to see whataschool is like
than to experience it firsthand.  Explore options for scholarships and financial aid. Request
Make appointments in advance applications from high school counselors or college
and take anyguided tours the representatives and file the information required.
school offers.  If your top-choice colleges offer early admission in the
 Volunteer or get apart-time job as a fall, submit your applications.
way to explore the work world and
possible career paths. year
November
 Attend college fairs, such as the Indianapolis NationalSenior
College Fair on Nov.16.
 Send completed applications to schools you want to attend
thatdon’t offer early admission. Check housing availability
and file the appropriate paperwork at the same time.
January
 Pick up the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
from your high school guidance office.This form is
necessarytoapply for anyfederally funded financial
aid and for manystate programs, institutional aid and
private sources. Manyschools use this information in
determining scholarship and grant awards.The FAFSA
also is required for most student loans.
 Submit anyremaining college applications. Guidance
counselors recommend applying to about six schools.
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R6 •SUNDAY,NOVEMBER 1, 2009•AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR 1ST
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