You've taken courses with college in mind. You have ideas about what you want out of college. Now it's time to start searching for possible fits.

Fall

Narrow down possible career options and investigate the type of education you'll need in those fields.
Attend college and financial aid fairs.
Request materials from schools that interest you, and visit their websites.
Continue the most challenging coursework you can handle. Work hard for good grades.
Take the PSAT to prepare for the SAT and ACT. Some important scholarships are based on these tests.

Winter

Arrange campus visits. Meet with an admissions counselor, a financial aid representative, professors and students.
Visit at least three colleges. Where do you feel at home?

Spring

Register to take the ACT and/or the SAT in April or June. Get a good night's rest the night before, and have a good breakfast.
Review your senior year course schedule with your counselor. Make sure you're meeting the entrance requirements of the colleges you're considering.

Summer

Contact graduates of your high school who attend your top choice schools. Ask for their impressions.
Check for online applications. Request admissions and financial aid forms.
Continue to visit colleges. Try to visit every campus to which you're applying.
Decide whether you will take the ACT and/or SAT again. Register for them.
Research additional scholarships.