Work with your school counselor to ensure that you are upholding NMPED graduation requirements using your

NEXT STEP PLAN TEMPLATE 

If academic deficiencies are noted in your NEXT STEP PLAN TEMPLATE  on page 6, connect with your academic counselor to address the problem.

Determine when you plan to take Algebra II, if you haven’t already.

Take the PSAT again. Scores may make you eligible for the National Merit Scholarship.

Take a practice exam for the SAT (and then take it again!).

Use the Khan Academy for free test prep resources at KHANACADEMY.ORG

Download the free apps for the SAT (search: Daily Practice for the SAT) in your app store.

Register to participate in spring SAT boot camp if provided by your school district.

Research the colleges you are interested in and use the Net Price Calculator listed on each school’s website.

Run the Federal Student Aid Estimator to estimate your financial aid at STUDENTAID.GOV/AID-ESTIMATOR/

Talk to your parents or legal guardians about the FAFSA. Gather the information you will need in order to file.

Continue contributing to or start your 529 account at THEEDUCATIONPLAN.COM
(see page 67).

Some scholarships are open to juniors. Create a profile at FASTWEB.COM and browse available scholarships.

Review the NEW MEXICO SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS on page 68.

Schedule campus visits by calling the admissions department or by signing up online (where available).

Review our tips on getting the most out of a campus visit on page 51.

Complete the COLLEGE VISIT SCORECARD after each visit on page 53.

Attend a college fair.

Ask a counselor to connect you with alumni from your high school who attend the colleges you are interested in visiting.

Finalize the list of colleges you plan to visit and apply to.

Ask 3-4 adults (teachers, mentors, bosses, etc.) to consider writing you a letter of recommendation for scholarships.

Determine which classes you still need in order to be college-ready.

Shadow professionals in the career fields you are interested in possibly pursuing.

Finalize your STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROFILE (found on page 57) at the end of the year.