December

• Review the results of the PLAN® assessment test and the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test® (PSAT/NMSQT) to identify areas of academic weakness. Work with your teachers, counselors, and parents to register for courses that will help improve your weak areas so you earn the highest scores possible on ACT and SAT tests you will take next year.

• Register for SAT Subject test(s)™ if your high school uses transition block scheduling (in which year-long courses are completed in one semester). Take SAT Subject Tests™ in January for the courses completed this fall. It’s better to take SAT Subject Tests™ as soon as you’ve completed the relevant class instead of waiting until later.

• Investigate college summer enrichment programs for high school students. Start filling out application materials for programs you wish to attend.

• Do well on your final exams this semester. Earn the impressive grades needed for admission to college and to receive merit-based scholarships.

• Visit with high school friends who are home from college on winter break. Try to get an overall picture of what to expect from college life.