• Start thinking about where you want to go to college

• Visit the colleges you are considering attending. (See "Directory of Michigan Colleges and Universities")

• Take the ACT. This is necessary to attend a 4-year college.  Current juniors will take the ACT (for free) as part of the new Michigan Merit Exam (MME). The MME will be given over several school days in March. In addition, students may still opt to take the ACT during one of the national test dates (for a fee).

• Create a list of activities and awards you have received throughout high school. You may use this information for scholarships and college applications.

• Meet with your Counselor if you are interested in playing college athletics. You need to make sure you will meet all of the requirements for eligibility through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This includes taking the correct number of approved core classes, maintaining a high enough grade point average, and scoring high enough on the ACT. (See "NCAA")

• Maintain a high grade point average! Most colleges will make a decision to admit you based on your courses chosen and performance through the end of your junior year.

•  Visit “career cruising” to research careers, take interest inventories, and get information about colleges and the military.  Also visit the Counseling Office for limited resources on various colleges and universities.

Senior Year

August

• Make sure you have selected appropriate classes. Colleges will consider your senior year classes and performance when making final admissions decisions.
• If planning to retake the ACT register for the ACT test. Remember that colleges accept your highest scores for admissions and scholarships.
• Register with NCAA if you are planning on participating in college athletics. www.eligibilitycenter.org (See "NCAA")

September

• Apply to colleges NOW, especially competitive schools like MSU and U of M-Ann Arbor.
• Meet with me to discuss college, trade school, military or employment plans.
• Meet with college representatives as they visit BHS.
• Research and apply for scholarships (various deadlines throughout senior year).

October

• If necessary, re-take ACT test (for higher score).

November - December

• Most colleges expect applications to be submitted by this time.
• If necessary, register for and re-take the December ACT test (for higher score).

January - February

• Attend Bendle’s Financial Aid (FAFSA) Workshop for parents and students.
• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be filed.
• Apply for Bendle Scholarships.
• Local college applications may still be accepted (Mott Community College, U of M-Flint, Baker College).

March-April

• Make final college decisions.
• Do not forget to send a DEPOSIT to the college you plan to attend.  This will hold your spot.
• Meet application deadline for Bendle Scholarships.

May

• Complete "Senior Exit."