Do a College Search! 

If you haven't seen your counselor to do a college search, DO IT NOW! 

Your counselor will introduce you to the following site through the VSAC page:

Vermont Guidance Central

Attend the College Fair at St. Michael's College, September 22, 8:30-12:00.  Juniors and Seniors only, and all students must attend an information session at Spaulding before the fair.SSe

If you are just too busy with homework, sports, or end of the year stuff, then you can use some of the following web sites:

http://www.collegeboard.org/
http://www.collegeedge.com/
http://www.collegenet.com/
http://www.collegequest.com/
http://www.collegeview.com/
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/
http://www.kaplan.com/
http://www.gocollege.com/

Start your senior year off right!
Plan to apply to your first choice schools BEFORE the hoildays. Some deadlines are as early as Nov. 1st, and you need to have your teacher recommendations in, as well as your essay, by those deadlines.

The Essay!
The essay is the one thing that will set you apart from the other hundreds (or thousands!) of applicants being considered by bleary-eyed admissions committee members. It must be your best possible effort. A unique memorable story, true to yourself, that evokes a vivid image of something dear to your heart. Is that too tall an order? No, seriously, have your English teacher, counselor or another person give you feedback, and write several drafts until it is as good as it can be.

Visiting Colleges - A Must!
Summer is a great time to compare a few of the colleges on your list. If possible, see three or four so you can get a real sense of the similarities and differences. Talk with students who are still on campus, if possible. Call ahead of time to set up your visit and you may get a tour and an interview if you are lucky. Have a list of your own questions ready to ask (we have some ideas in guidance if you need them). Talk with someone in the department you are considering as a major. When all is said and done, write a thank you note to your tour guide and the person who interviewed you. They will remember this!