JUNIOR YEAR CONTINUE: Realize that this will most likely be your toughest year academically. Commit to excellence in the classroom. Maintain the strongest possible academic record by enrolling in the most challenging courses appropriate for you. Work hard on your academics and make good grades. READ-READ-READ! Reading improves skills including vocabulary and critical thinking. So make sure to take the time and read outside of class. FALL SEMESTER: Add to your folder in which you are placing a record of your activities, accomplishments, strenghts, and positive qualities. This information will be useful in completing college applications, preparing for campus visits and college interviews, and providing material for those who write your letters of recommendation. Begin the college selection process. Attend college fairs and parent and student meetings. Learn as much as you can about the college admission process. Take advantage of college fairs and visits by admission counselors both at father Ryan and in the Nashville community. Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. (This is an important test and it is IMPORTANT that you put this date on your calendar and come to schoo prepared to take this test.) Prepare by spending time reviewing he PSAT Student Bulletin and taking the sample test. This is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Become proactive with your college search. Request information from colleges that have caught your initial interest and plan visits to college campuses. Use the internet to secure information from colleges. All schools will have web pages.

WINTER/SPRING SEMESTER:

• In January you will receive your PSAT scores. You will receive both the score report and the actual test that you completed so that you may see where you excelled and where you need improvement.
• Take the SAT or ACT. Remember registration dates are typically about 4 weeks before the testing date. You must register on your own and you may pick up registration forms in the Guidance Office or register on-line at http://www.collegeboard.com for the SAT or http://www.actstudent.orgfor the ACT. Test scores are important factors in helping your college counselors assist you in identifying appropriate college choices for you.

  Father Ryan requires all rising seniors to have at least one test score, either SAT or ACT, on their transcript when they return in August of their senior year.

• Parents must attend Parent Meetings scheduled in the spring.
• Parents must schedule individual student, parent, counselor meetings to disucss college options.
• Schedule classes your senior year that will meet your academic needs and the requirements for admission to the school where you are planning on applying.
• Attend the NACAC College Fair in late April.
• Continue developing portfolios, audition tapes, writing samples, or other evidence of talents required for college admission and/or scholarships.
• Take AP exams in May for all Advanced Placement classes in which you are enrolled.
• Take SAT Subject Tests if they are required by schools to which you are applying.
• During spring and summer breaks visit as many colleges from your initial list as possible and keep a record of your impressions.
• Keep an ongoing journal of your activities and record possible ideas for college essays.
• Complete the College Questionnaire, Reflection Paper and Personal Resume. This information will be used by persons writing your recommendations.
• Student/Athletes planning on playing an NCAA Division I or II sport must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse no later than October 1st of their senior year. Register online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net and make sure you print out the form that is to be filled out by your college counselors and return it to them quickly so they can mail your transcript and complete your registration process.