​​September
  • Counselors will discuss PSAT sign up process in English classes.  The test is administered in mid October
  • Take the practice test in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin which is received at the time of registration 
  • Practice at the PSAT/NMSQT Prep Center:  http://www.collegeboard.org/student/testing/psat/prep.html
  • Get more involved with extracurricular activities and maintain a record all year on your Activity Sheet
October
  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT, which can qualify you to receive a National Merit Scholarship.  Be sure you check “yes” for Student Search Service to hear from colleges and scholarships
  • Attend college fairs in your area
  • Plan to visit schools in the area just to get a sense of what a college campus is like.  Take advantage of your location – there are 2 and 4 year, public and private, liberal arts and specialty colleges a mere T ride away!
November
  • Keep those grades up
December
  • Use your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Plus for personalized feedback on your academic skills, and to help you prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test
  • Determine when you want to take the SAT Reasoning Test (offered in January, March, May and June; also offered in the fall if you want to re-take the test)
  • Ask your counselor about the ACT and determine if it might be appropriate for you, instead of or in addition to the SAT
  • Find out about college first hand from friends who are home on break
  • Thinking About College-a PowerPoint presentation
January
  • Junior Seminars begin for post high school planning
  • Attend College Kickoff Night with parents
  • Organize a file of college brochures and information.  Before you know it, they’ll start pouring in
  • Start to explore college options.  Think about which college characteristics are important to you
  • Plan to visit colleges while they’re in session.  Check to see if schools require or offer interviews (either on-campus or off-campus with admissions staff or alumni)
  • Search for scholarships online that match your skills and interests.  Check college/university websites for requirements
  • Register for the March SAT Reasoning Test if you have completed the math courses covered on the SAT Reasoning Test AND you have done the proper preparation for the exam.  If not, plan to take the SAT Reasoning Test in May or June
February
  • Spend time in Naviance researching schools and begin to develop a list of colleges you may be interested in.
  • Visit a few schools during February break if possible
  • ATTEND ALL SCHEDULED JUNIOR SEMINARS WITH YOUR COUNSELOR.

March
  • Think about which teachers you might ask to write formal letters of recommendation for you
  • Throughout the spring, continue to utilize Naviance to update your list of schools.  Stay in touch with your counselor to discuss course selection and your future plans, whether they include post-secondary education, the military, work or a gap year
April
  • Don’t spend so much time trying to improve standardized test scores that grades and co-curricular involvement suffer.  Strive to find a balance and maintain it
  • When selecting senior year courses, be sure to continue to challenge yourself academically, but realistically
  • Register for the May/June SAT Reasoning Test and/or the May/June SAT Subject Test(s) at The College Board
  • Register for the ACT (note Hingham High School is not an ACT testing facility) at The ACT,  if appropriate
  • Attend local college fairs and visit some schools over April break if possible
  • Look into summer jobs or apply for special academic or enrichment programs

May
  • Take the AP, ACT, SAT Reasoning Test, if appropriate
  • Complete and return all seminar forms by June 1st
June
  • Take the ACT, SAT Reasoning Test, if appropriate
  • Finalize your summer plans
July & August
  • Start thinking about college majors related to your interests and career goals
  • Visit colleges, take tours, and have interviews
  • Continue to refine your list of schools
  • Contact athletic coaches if applicable
  • Begin preparing for the actual application process – update Activity Sheet, start a draft of a college essay, think about which teachers you want to ask to write your recommendations

JUNIOR SEMINAR FORMS:
Parent Form
Activity Sheet
Student Form