Whether teens are freshmen or seniors in high school, it's never too early for them to start planning for college. Give your students this handy tear-out timeline to help them stay on track.

1. Chat with your guidance counselor about what you can do to get the most out of high school.
2. Get involved with some extracurricular activities. Colleges love well-rounded students.

1. Meet with your guidance counselor to sketch out your schedule for the rest of high school.

1. Get used to standardized tests by taking the PLAN (a prelimi- nary version of the ACT), the PSAT (preliminary SAT), or, if you think you're ready, the "real thing"—the ACT or SAT.
2. Check out some options by going to a college fair. (For a Christian col- lege fair near you, check out www.gospelcom.net/naccap/fairs/.)

1. If you haven't done it already, discuss your college plans with your guidance counselor.
2. While visiting with your counselor, take another look at your long-term class schedule. Make sure you're meeting college entrance requirements for math, science, foreign language, etc.
3. Look into Advanced Placement courses that could earn you college credit.

1. Add to your resumé and increase your savings account with a part-time job.

1. Take the PSAT, even if you took it last year. High scores can qualify you for a National Merit Scholarship. Start a file for mail from colleges that interest you.

1. If you haven't done it already, discuss your college plans with your guidance counselor.

1. Take the ACT and/or SAT.
2. When you receive your ACT or SAT scores, meet with your guidance counselor to see which schools and scholarships you may qualify for.
3. Double-check your senior year course schedule to make sure you're not leaving anything out.
4. Visit colleges you're most interested in.
5. Look into pre-college programs for the summer, where you can earn college credit and get a glimpse of life on campus.

1. Get the up-to-date catalogs from your top 10 schools.
2. Look for specific information on financial aid that will help you make your decision.
3. Put together a list of courses taken, awards received, and activities both in and out of school. This list will help when you fill out applications.
4. Write down answers to questions like: "What are my strengths and weaknesses as a student" and "What do I hope to get out of college?" These answers will help you fill out application questions and prepare you for admissions interviews.

1. Narrow your list of college choices to about five, and start working on applications for each of these schools.
2. Ask selected adults to fill out any recommendation forms required by your chosen schools.
3. Begin writing drafts of your application essays. Ask your parents and a teacher to edit them.
4. Send in early admission applications. (Many are due as early as November.)
5. If you're unhappy with your earlier scores, retake the ACT and/or SAT.
6. Keep asking your guidance counselor about scholarships.
7. If possible, schedule longer visits at your top two or three schools.

1. Complete and send in your remaining college applications.
2. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible.

1. The acceptance letters have arrived and you've chosen your school. As a courtesy, contact those schools you've decided not to attend. This allows them to cross you off their list and pursue other candidates.

1. Wear a T-shirt with your new college's name on it. Now everybody knows your college plans!

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine.
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