Seniors, the time of the year has come for all things college. At this time of year, these eight items are essential to consider.
1. If you have not already, register and take the SAT and ACT college entrance exams.
SAT Testing Dates
| Test Date | Regular Registration | Late Registration |
| Oct. 1, 2011 | Sept. 9,2011 | Sept. 21, 2011 |
| Nov. 5, 2011 | Oct. 7, 2011 | Oct. 21,2011 |
| Dec. 3, 2011 | Nov. 8, 2011 | Nov. 20, 2011 |
| Jan. 28, 2012 | Dec. 30, 2011 | Jan. 13, 2012 |
| March 10,2012 | Feb. 10, 2012 | Feb. 24, 2012 |
| May 5,2012 | April 6, 2012 | April 20, 2012 |
| June 2, 2012 | May 8, 2012 | May 22, 2012 |
Go to collegeboard.org to register.
ACT Testing Dates
| Test Date | Regular Registration | Late Registration |
| Sept. 10, 2011 | Aug. 12, 2011 | Aug. 13-26, 2011 |
| Oct. 22, 2011 | Sept. 16, 2011 | Sept. 17-30, 2011 |
| Dec. 10, 2011 | Nov. 4, 2011 | Nov. 5-18, 2011 |
| Feb. 11, 2012 | Jan. 13, 2012 | Jan. 14-20, 2012 |
| April 14, 2012 | March 9, 2012 | March 10-23, 2012 |
| June 9, 2012 | May 4, 2012 | May 5-18, 2012 |
Go to actstudent.org to register.
If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, go see your counselor and get a free testing waiver.
2. Apply for scholarships.
Some popular scholarship websites are:
Fastweb.com is a very helpful website to find scholarships that are specialized to your academic interests. It gives you a brief summary of the scholarship and requirements, along with what it’s worth. A link to the scholarship application is also posted.
Finaid.org has a lot of helpful resources including a college calculator to calculate tuition costs, loan payments, savings, ect.
ScholarshipExperts.com is much like Fastweb.com.
3. Attend the Junior/Senior parent night on Sept. 22, at 6:30 p.m. so your parents can learn all there is to know about college applications and scholarships.
4. Attend the College Fair at Leander High School on Thursday, Sept. 29 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
5. If you are an athlete, resister for NCAA.
Go to eligibilitycenter.org for the application. This is available to athletes for scholarships for their freshman year.
6. Apply to the universities you are interested in no later than Thanksgiving. Even if the deadline isn’t until February or March, it is best to get your application in early.
“The earliest bird does get the worm” in this case. The earlier the admissions office receives the application, the higher the chance of being accepted.
7. Obtain a FAFSA pin number with you parents.
Go to studentaid.ed.gov/complethefasfa and get your FAFSA pin number for easy log in when you complete your application in January.
8. After Jan. 1, 2012, you and your parents can complete the FAFSA application. However keep in mind that you (if you file for taxes) and your parents need to have your 1040 Tax Form to apply.
At the start of the new year, apply at FASFA.ed.gov. Remember, you and your parents will need recent tax information.
With these eight tips in mind, you should be set to follow your college dreams.
