Develop strong study skills.

Start thinking about which high school classes will best prepare you for college.

If you have an opportunity to choose among high schools, or among different programs within one high school, investigate the options and determine which ones will help you -- further your academic and career interests and open doors to many future options.

Investigate different ways to save money -- buying a U.S. Savings Bond or opening a savings account in a bank, investing in mutual funds, etc.

Get to know your career counselor or guidance counselor, and other college resources available in your school.

Talk to adults in a variety of professions to determine what they like and dislike about their jobs and what kind of education is needed for each kind of job.

Talk to adults in a variety of professions to determine what they like and dislike about their jobs, and what kind of education is needed for each kind of job.

Become involved in school- or community-based extracurricular (before or after school) activities that interest you and/or enable you to explore career interests.

Meet with your career counselor or guidance counselor to discuss colleges and their requirements.

Take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). You must register early. If you have difficulty paying the registration fee, see your guidance counselor about getting a fee waiver.

Take advantage of opportunities to visit colleges and talk to students.

Meet with your career counselor or guidance counselor to discuss colleges and their requirements.

Continue involvement in school- or community-based extracurricular activities.

Decide which colleges most interest you. Write these schools to request information and an application for admission. Be sure to ask about special admissions requirements, financial aid, and deadlines.

Talk to college representatives at college fairs.

Take advantage of opportunities to visit colleges and talk to students.

Consider people to ask for recommendations -- teachers, counselors, employers, etc.

Investigate the availability of financial aid from Federal, State, local, and private sources. Call the Student Aid Hotline at the U.S. Department of Education (1-800-4FED-AID) for a student guide to Federal financial aid. Talk to your guidance counselor for more information.

Find out more about the domestic Peace Corps, called AmeriCorps, by calling 1-800-942-2677 or TDD 1-800-833-3722.

Investigate the availability of scholarships provided by organizations such as corporations, labor unions, professional associations, religious organizations, and credit unions.

If applicable, go to the library and look for directories of scholarships for women, minorities, and disabled students.

Register for and take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I), the ACT, SAT II Subject Tests, or any other exams required for admission to the colleges you might want to attend. If you have difficulty paying the registration fee, see your guidance counselor about getting a fee waiver.