902 33rd Street Court West, Bradenton, FL 34205

FALL

1. Explore colleges. Research schools that offer your intended major – log on to  www.collegeboard.com.
2. Take the most challenging courses you can. Doing so will show colleges that you can compete on a college level.
3. If possible, take leadership roles in clubs, activities and other volunteer and service organizations.
4. Take the PSAT on October 17, 2012. It is excellent practice and can help guide your preparation for the SAT. Registration will be handled at the school. Registration will begin mid September with the bookkeeper. To learn more about the PSAT, go to www.collegeboard.com.
5. Attend the Manatee County Post Secondary Education Night/College Fair on October 22, 2012 from 6:30pm-8:30pm. It is held at the Manatee Civic Center. Colleges from across the country will be represented. It's a great way to learn about different schools. Attend the MHS College Fair on October 24th in the gym from 8am-noon. Attend college visits at MHS - sign up in the College and Career Center.
6. Come to the College and Career Center for information on colleges, summer opportunities and other resources.
7. Register to take the SAT and ACT in December/January/February and throughout the spring. Registration now requires students to upload a photo. Fee waivers are available for qualifying students. We recommend students take both tests once to see how you score on each. Use those results to determine which test to take again to improve your scores.
8. Check your Florida Bright Futures status -are you on track to earn the scholarship? Go to www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/bf to see requirements.

SPRING

1. Take the SAT and/or ACT. Prepare for the tests. Check out Method Test Prep for free, on-line practice.
2. Attend the MHS College Night for Juniors to learn more about what you can do now to prepare for college. The date of this event is January 31, 2013 at 6:30pm in the MHS theater.
3. Attend the National College Fair in Tampa - Sunday, March 3, 2013 from 12:00pm-3:00pm.
4. Talk about college costs and financial aid options with your parents/family. Preview an estimate of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), an index that colleges use to determine what types of financial aid you may receive. Go to www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov for more information.
5. Explore volunteer work or internship opportunities within your community. In addition to being a rewarding experience, it shows college admissions offices your commitment to your community. Make an appointment to meet with Mr. Brunner, our Career Advisor, for more information.
6. Continue to research prospective colleges. Learn about their admissions requirements and application deadlines.
7. Consider AP, honors and/or dual enrollment classes when registering for your senior year classes. It’s important to keep up the rigor of your curriculum in your senior year.
8. Begin creating your college resume – including all your high school achievements (clubs, sports, honors, etc.) The CCC has a form that can help.
9.  Visit college campuses. Take an “official” campus tour to learn more about the school and what they offer.

SUMMER

1. Visit colleges. Sign up on their websites for an "official" visit.
2. Prepare your resume - all activities, clubs, sports, work, honors, volunteer service, etc. that you've done in high school. This information will be needed as part of the college applications.
3. Begin writing your college essay. Check the websites of the colleges you are interested in to see what their essay questions are. The essay allows you to tell the college about yourself. A great essay will present a personal and compelling view of you to the admissions staff.