9^th

Take college prep courses (especially upper level math, science and foreign language)
Read extensively (especially the college bulletins you receive in your English class)
Develop extracurricular interests (join a team or a club)
Take the PSAT in October if you have already completed Algebra I ("C" or better)

Continue A-G academic course pattern (include honors and AP courses)
Take PSAT in October to "practice" for SAT/ACT (ex: SAT II in Biology or Euro. History in June.)
Consider which college may look of interest (size, locations, majors, etc.) Talk w/ UC reps.
Continue to develop extracurricular, volunteer, and community service activities. (colleges are looking for where you have made a impact, or demonstrated leadership)
Read extensively. Vocabulary is essential. Start your profiles at Collegeboard.com
Consider summer programs, travel enrichment (keep a diary for future reference).

Continue appropriate course work ( the most challenging you can handle!!)
Visit colleges, send for brochures about summer programs, talk with reps in the college center.
Volunteer in your community and join student organization at VHS. Learn leadership skills.
Take the PSAT in October (National Merit/National Hispanic/Achievement Scholars programs)
Register for the SAT I & II and the ACT for May and June. Take SAT II tests in 2 different areas. APs? Take the March SAT I Reasoning or ACT w/ Writing (May APs) and 2 June SAT IIs
Keep track of all activities, especially volunteer hours (develop something to be passionate about)
Develop "Brag Sheet" (necessary for college recommendations and scholarships)
Participate in summer programs, read, travel... Visit colleges that are of interest to you
Develop list of colleges — sure bets, fall backs, and reaches (get applications on college web sites)
Visit Ms. Keitel frequently... AND, read and refer to Jr. Bulletins you receive in English class
Take community college courses to demonstrate your ability to do college course work

See Ms. K about recommendation letters and Secondary School Reports by NOVEMBER 1st
Repeat SAT II in October, and ACT/SAT I in November (testing in December is OK, as well)
Make sure your test scores are sent to UCs/colleges by SAT and ACT (special forms from ETS)
Read your monthly SENIOR BULLETINS for updates
Send OFFICAL transcript to private colleges with your applications (no transcriptions for UCs)
UC and Cal State applications are due by Nov. 30(apply online — it is faster and perferred)
Take Community College English and/Math placement exames (SAT and ACT are not required)
Fill out FAFSA/GPA Verification forms(financial aid) in your Govt/Econ class by March 2nd
Apply for scholarships (check Senior Bulletins, College Center and website like fastweb.com)
Don't get SENIORITIS (even if accepted, you can be "cancled" due to poor 7th semester grades or changes in your academic program after you apllication has been submitted)