11/10/97 TABLE: Countdown to College

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Countdown to College

SOPHOMORE YEAR

OCTOBER: Attend a local college fair for an unpressured early look at schools--and to learn the questions you'll be asking in earnest next year.
MAY: Consult SAT-preparation software or books to become comfortable with the types of questions and time limits.

JUNIOR YEAR

SEPTEMBER: Attend another college fair, this time armed with specific questions about degree programs, the admissions procedure, financial aid, and campus life.
OCTOBER: Take the PSAT test, which also serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship competition. Check off the box that allows your profile to be sent to interested colleges.
MARCH: Spend your spring break visiting campuses. Check out different types and sizes of schools to see what best fits your personality. Take plenty of pictures.
MAY: Take the SAT, required for most colleges. Also take the SAT II subject tests for any course areas you've completed.
JULY: Get a head start on writing your college essays. They often take a lot more time than students think--so don't wait until the hectic senior year.

SENIOR YEAR

SEPTEMBER: Line up letters of recommendation early. Many popular teachers put a cap on how many letters they'll write.
EARLY OCTOBER: Retake the SAT if you were unhappy with your results. Most schools accept your highest scores.
OCTOBER: This is prime college-visit time. Visit as many as possible, attending classes and staying in dorms.
NOV. 1: Many colleges require early-decision applications by this date.
DEC. 15: Try to have all your regular applications mailed to allow time to track down transcripts, recommendation letters, or test score reports.
JAN. 1: This is the first day families can file the federal financial aid form, so complete tax returns early.
APR. 1: It's no April Fool's. Today applicants receive word of acceptance or rejection from most selective colleges.
MID-APRIL: This is an often hellish period, packed with revisits to schools where you've been accepted and comparisons of financial aid packages.
MAY 1: It's D-Day, the deadline for returning your acceptance letter and a small deposit.

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