Welcome back to another year of academic challenges. Remember when the most difficult choices were what color binder to get and what type of pens or pencils to choose? Now those binders and pens have turned into four-year versus two-year and private versus public.

Juniors should be focusing on the college prep courses required for the colleges they are interested in. For example, most will require four years of English, three to four years of math, and some institutions will have a language requirement for admission. You should be able to gain access to this information by visiting the websites of these prospective colleges and universities. If you are an athlete, it would be wise to check out the NCAAStudent.org website for information about eligibility for Division I and Division II athletics. College representatives and admission counselors will be visiting your school. Take advantage of these visits by checking with your high school guidance office or college/career center for dates, times, and availability. Watch for college fairs in your area. Read, Study, and prepare for the standardized testing in the spring.

Seniors face new challenges; your future goals are becoming more reality and less a distant thought. If you have not started the college application process, you should do so soon. Check deadlines and preferred filing dates with all the colleges and universities you are interested in. Check scholarship deadlines and requirements. Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing your college essays. If you need reference letters from teachers and counselors, give them ample time to prepare these statements.

Narrow your choices down to three or four as application fees can be costly. Start compiling the data you will need to apply for financial aid. You may start filing for financial aid as early as January 1, 2008. Don’t forget, college representatives and college admission counselors from all the institutions are willing to lend a hand or answer any questions you or your parents may have.

The IACAC website is a great resource for you and your parents. Check it out. You will find answers to some of those questions spinning around in your head. There are hundreds of college counselors and high school counselors working together for you. There is a wealth of information waiting for you.

Wow! It is a lot to think about, but it is also very exciting. Enjoy your senior year, homecoming, prom, and graduation. It is truly a time to celebrate as you embark on a new journey.

Submitted by
Terri McLaughlin, MS.Ed
Admission Counselor/Western Illinois University
Co-Chair IACAC Communications Committee