Juniors

11th Grade Students

All Year Long

  • Work with a parent to update your information in FAFSA4caster at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov and continue to save for college

  • Take challenging classes in core academic subjects

  • Stay involved in school- or community-based activities that interest you or let you explore career interests

  • Talk to your school counselor and other mentors about education after high school

  • Explore careers and their earning potential in the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/oco

  • Log on to your MyFSA account at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/myfsa and look at the information you may have saved; try the college search again if you have changed your mind about what you want from a school

  • Go to college fairs and presentations by college representatives

Fall

  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Scholarship Program

Spring

  • Register for and take college admissions exams; check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require

  • Use www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/scholarshipto find scholarships for which you might want to apply; pay close attention to deadlines

11th Grade Parents

  • Continue to talk to your child about college plans

  • Keep an eye on your child's study habits and grades

  • Encourage your child to take challenging classes

  • Add to your child's college savings account regularly

  • Take another look at your financial situation and be sure you're on the right track to pay for college

  • Talk to your child about the schools he or she is considering; ask why those schools appeal to your child and help him or her clarify goals and priorities

  • Attend college fairs with your child but don't take over the conversation with the representative; listen and let your child do the talking

  • Take your child to visit college campuses, preferably when classes are in session