GET READY FOR COLLEGE

• Start looking for scholarships now – even if aren’t the star student or star athlete. Some scholarships aren’t based on merit. And some application deadlines are early in the senior year, so you will want plenty of time.  (Check out our Scholarship Finder.)
• Keep saving money for college. If you haven’t been saving, start now – every little bit helps. (See the Financial Aid section.)
  

Classes and Tests

• Make sure you're taking the challenging courses that will put you on track to be college-ready. These include challenging core courses (math, English, science, and social science) and the right electives (foreign language, computer, arts, etc.). (See the Credits Needed for College section.)
• Talk to your counselor to make sure you're on track. 
• At the end of the 11th grade year, select 12^th grade courses that will keep you on track to be college-ready. EVEN if you have completed all the courses needed for graduation and for college, you should still take advanced courses your senior year. With math and other subjects, you use it or lose it. (See the Credits Needed for College section.)
• If you excel in a subject, take the AP exams at the end of the year. Even if your school doesn’t offer AP courses, or if you home-school, you can still take the AP exams. (See the Testing Information section.)
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT or ACT PLAN Assessment test in the fall. They are great practice for college entrance exams (SAT or ACT), and good scores could earn you a scholarship. The National Merit Scholarship program is based on the PSAT. (See the Testing Information section.)
• Take the ACT in the spring of 11^th grade, if possible. Some college, especially out-of-state, prefer or require the SAT I, so be aware that you may need to take it as well. (See the Testing Information section.)
• Stay focused, and keep up your grades.  High school grades are very important to some schools.

Career and College Prep

• Continue to learn about colleges in Mississippi.
• During the spring and summer, try to visit the campuses of the colleges you're interested in.
• Keep using the online Choices program, offered through Mississippi’s public high schools. It offers a lot of useful career planning info.
• Learn as much as you can about the careers that interest you, and the skills you'll need to succeed in your choice career. (See the Career Planning section.)
• Look for job shadowing opportunities, such as “bring your child to work day”.
• Sign up for career-based programs and summer camps for high-school students at Mississippi colleges – there are lots of fun options.

Out of the Classroom

• Participate in music, art, clubs, sports, or other activities, and pursue leadership positions when possible. Extracurricular activities help you figure out what you do and don't like.  You'll meet new people, learn new things, and develop skills in leadership and teamwork.  They also make you a well-rounded person. (See the Extras section.)
• Volunteer. Volunteering is not only a wonderful way to give back to the community, but volunteering gives you an avenue for exploring different types of work environments.
• Try to limit TV, video games, and computer time. Sounds like no fun, but your future successful self will thank you. 
• Look into summer camps and other programs held at Mississippi colleges and universities.  Being on a university campus is fun, and you'll likely learn a lot about yourself.

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